Looking for a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor? Look no further than this delicious Pesto Pasta recipe! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of pasta (your choice of shape)
- 2 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Image description: A photo of all the ingredients needed for the pesto pasta recipe, including pasta, fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Directions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream until the pesto is smooth and well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- When the pasta is done, drain it and return it to the pot. Add the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Image description: A photo of the finished dish, with pesto-coated pasta served in a bowl and garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Tips:
- For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the pesto before tossing it with the pasta.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to keep things interesting.
- Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or frozen for up to six months.
