Best Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe

User Reviews

5.0

3 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    4 -6 servings

  • Calories

    808 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Best Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe

20 minute pesto pasta! Yes, please! Nothings beats this fresh authentic Italian basil pesto for a quick and healthy meal. An easy weeknight meal you will come back to time and time again.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 lb pasta of your choice (such as trofie, spaghetti, linguine, or penne) 450g

Basil Pesto: 

  • 4 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled and quartered
  • 4 packed cups sweet Italian basil leaves picked, thick stems removed
  • ½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil add as needed if consistency is too thick
  • ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated
  • ¼ cup pecorino romano grated
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Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the pesto: Combine the pinenuts, garlic cloves, and basil leaves in a food processor or blender. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  3. Add the cheeses and olive oil: Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses to the food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Combine the pesto and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly prepared pistachio pesto until well coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out and help it adhere to the pasta.
  5. Serve: Divide the pesto-coated pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Serve immediately, and enjoy your authentic Italian basil pesto pasta!

Notes

  • Use high-quality, authentic Italian ingredients, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses and extra virgin olive oil from Italy.
  • For the perfect texture, cook the pasta al dente, as is traditional in Italian cuisine.
  • Toss the pasta with the pesto before serving to ensure fresh and vibrant flavors.
  • Garnish with additional cheese and chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 808kcal (40%) Carbohydrates 88g (29%) Protein 23g (46%) Fat 41g (63%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Polyunsaturated Fat 7g Monounsaturated Fat 23g Cholesterol 15mg (5%) Sodium 865mg (36%) Potassium 407mg (12%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1393IU (28%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 286mg (29%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4-6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 808 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 808kcal 40%
Carbohydrates 88g 29%
Protein 23g 46%
Fat 41g 63%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7g 41%
Monounsaturated Fat 23g 115%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 865mg 36%
Potassium 407mg 9%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1393IU 28%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 286mg 29%
Iron 3mg 17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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Overall Rating

5.0

3 reviews
Excellent

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