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Homemade Comfort: Easy Recipes That Bring Joy to The Table

Pesto Pasta is a comforting, customizable dish that brings joy to the table with vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Use your favorite shape, like spaghetti or fusilli.
  • 1 pinch Salt For boiling water.
For the Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil The star ingredient.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Adjust based on preference.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated, high quality.
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Can substitute walnuts.
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil Extra virgin recommended.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice For brightening flavors.
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 cup Vegetables Cherry tomatoes or spinach.
  • 1 cup Protein Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Equipment

  • food processor
  • Large Pot
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta and reserve a splash of pasta water for later.
  4. Combine fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.
  5. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until creamy.
  6. Add a splash of lemon juice, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat and add the pesto sauce, tossing to coat.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  9. Incorporate any optional add-ins, stirring gently to mix and warm through.
  10. Transfer to serving bowls and finish with grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 15gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

To maintain freshness, store leftovers in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container.

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