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+ servings

Savory Homemade Pesto Pasta

A quick and vibrant Pesto Pasta that transforms fresh ingredients into a meal everyone will love.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta of choice Opt for spaghetti or penne.
  • 1 pinch Salt Essential for enhancing flavor.
For the Pesto
  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves Star ingredient.
  • 3 cloves Garlic cloves Adjust based on taste preference.
  • cup Pine nuts Can substitute with walnuts.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Use nutritional yeast for vegan.
  • ½ cup Olive oil Extra virgin for best flavor.
For the Extras
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Grill for added smokiness.
  • Fresh veggies Any leftover veggies.
  • 1 pinch Crushed red pepper For added heat.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Boil a large pot of water with a pinch of salt, add pasta, and cook as per package instructions for 8-10 minutes.
  2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts; pulse until finely chopped. Drizzle in olive oil while blending.
  3. Mix in Parmesan cheese to the pesto until creamy and well blended.
  4. Combine drained pasta and pesto in a mixing bowl, adding reserved pasta water if necessary for consistency.
  5. Fold in cherry tomatoes and any fresh veggies with crushed red pepper and mix thoroughly.
  6. Serve warm with additional Parmesan and olive oil, enjoying the delightful aroma.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 13gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Fresh basil is essential for flavor. Keep some nuts on hand to avoid running out of key ingredients. Cook pasta al dente and reserve some water for the sauce. Don't hesitate to mix in leftover veggies to reduce waste.

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