Description
Pesto Pasta weaves Italian culinary magic through silky noodles draped in herbal green sauce. Basil, garlic, and parmesan dance together, creating a plate that welcomes you into Mediterranean comfort with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt
- Black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, achieving an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly, preserving approximately 1/2 cup of pasta water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Create a robust pesto foundation by processing fresh basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic into a coarse, aromatic paste.
- While blending, introduce extra-virgin olive oil in a continuous stream, transforming the mixture into a silky, uniform consistency. Adjust thickness by incorporating additional olive oil if needed.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, introducing the vibrant pesto and luxurious heavy cream. Whisk ingredients until harmoniously integrated and warmed through, seasoning with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profiles.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy pesto sauce, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated. Utilize reserved pasta water to modulate sauce density if necessary.
- Elevate the dish’s complexity by incorporating halved cherry tomatoes or sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese for added textural and flavor dimensions.
- Plate immediately, garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves to provide a final aromatic flourish and visual appeal.
Notes
- Swap pine nuts with sunflower seeds or almonds for a budget-friendly and allergy-friendly alternative that maintains a delightful nutty crunch.
- Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to create lighter, healthier versions without compromising the creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas, transforming this dish into a complete and satisfying meal.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation and maintain vibrant green color for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 679
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 32g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 43mg