Description
A vibrant and flavorful dish combining fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil with your favorite pasta, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- Pasta (linguine, spaghetti, rotini, or fettuccine)
- Fresh Basil
- Garlic, minced
- Pine Nuts (or walnuts/sunflower seeds)
- Olive Oil (or avocado oil)
- Parmesan Cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegetarian option)
- Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse and drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Adjust with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Combine: Add drained pasta to a large skillet, toss with pesto until evenly coated, adding more pasta water or olive oil if too dry.
- Taste and Adjust: Season with extra cheese, salt, or lemon juice to your preference.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Garnish: Add sautéed vegetables or protein as desired before serving.
Notes
For perfect pasta, always salt your water generously and avoid overcooking. Fresh ingredients are key to capturing vibrant flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing and Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Pasta, Pesto, Italian, Family Recipe, Vegan Option