Easy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe
This easy basil pesto sauce is perfect for a delicious pasta dinner. Jam-packed with fresh basil, pine nuts, olive oil, garlic and parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 bunch basil leaves
- 30 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 garlic clove
- 50 g pine nuts
- 80 ml olive oil extra virgin
- ½ tsp salt
- black pepper freshly ground
- 160 g spaghetti
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, season with a good pinch of salt and cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally. Reserve 150 ml pasta water to add to the sauce before draining.
- For the pesto, toast pine nuts in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often until golden-brown, about 5 minutes. Let them cool in a food processor or blender. Reserve some for topping the finished pasta.
- Add Parmesan and garlic and pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute.
- Add basil and place the lid back on. In a steady stream pour olive oil until pesto is smooth. Season with salt.
- After the pasta is cooked, drain it and place it in a large bowl, adding pesto and 60 ml pasta cooking liquid. Toss until pasta is well coated with sauce, adding pasta water if needed. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm or better yet, transfer to the refrigerator to chill and serve cold.