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–+ servings
Pesto Pasta

Creamy Homemade Pesto Pasta for a Quick Flavor Boost

This creamy pesto pasta recipe is a quick and delicious way to enjoy vibrant flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pesto Ingredients
  • 2 cups Basil Leaves fresh
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts can substitute with walnuts or almonds
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil extra virgin recommended
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese fresh grated
Pasta Ingredients
  • 300-350 g Pasta of Choice such as penne or spaghetti
  • 2 teaspoons Salt
Finishing Touches
  • 3/4 cup Pasta Cooking Water reserved
  • 1/4 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano for serving

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Start by filling a large pot with water, adding 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
  2. Once boiling, add 300-350g of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Reserve about 3/4 cup of cooking water just before draining the pasta.
  4. Drain the pasta and let it sit for a minute to evaporate excess water.
  5. Transfer the drained pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  6. Add the prepared pesto and 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water, tossing to coat evenly.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or black pepper as needed.
  8. Serve in warmed bowls with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 12gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, always use homemade pesto and enjoy leftovers at room temperature.

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