Basil Pesto Pasta

Italian cuisine has long captivated the hearts and palates of food lovers around the globe. Renowned for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and comforting dishes, Italian cooking offers an array of pasta recipes that are both satisfying and simple to prepare. Among these delightful culinary creations is the Basil Pesto Pasta Delight, a dish that embodies the essence of Italian cooking through its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Discover the vibrant flavors of Italian cooking with this Basil Pesto Pasta Delight! This simple yet stunning dish uses fresh ingredients to create a rich basil pesto that coats your favorite pasta to perfection. Learn how to select the best herbs, nuts, and oils for an authentic taste, and get tips on achieving that ideal al dente texture. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy exploring the art of homemade pesto and the joy of sharing delicious meals!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/2 cup pine nuts (toasted)

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Pesto:

- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Blend until finely chopped.

- While the processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste. You may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

- Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with a bit more olive oil if desired.

Cook the Pasta:

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Combine Pasta and Pesto:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the freshly made pesto. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed.

Serve:

- Divide the pesto pasta into serving bowls. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese to your liking.

Enjoy:

- Serve immediately while warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade basil pesto pasta!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings