Description
A vibrant and rich pasta dish featuring a homemade walnut pesto, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta (spaghetti, penne, or your choice)
- 1 cup walnuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the walnuts, basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.
- Adjust Taste: Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Combine and Serve: In a large bowl, toss the drained pasta with the pesto. Add reserved pasta water in small amounts if you need to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish: Serve warm, topped with extra walnuts and Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
You can make the pesto ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just stir before mixing it with freshly cooked pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: pasta, walnut pesto, family recipe, easy meal, vegetarian pasta