Description
This Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe is a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean classic made with basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 22 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry pan until golden.
- Blend basil, toasted nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending.
- Add Parmesan and lemon juice, pulse briefly.
- Toss pesto with hot pasta and reserved pasta water.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use fresh basil for best flavor. Do not cook the pesto sauce. Add pasta water gradually for a creamy texture. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling and Blending
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg