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Homemade Pesto with Bucatini

Did someone say homemade pesto? This is one of my favourite recipes because it elevates so many dishes and it is so quick and easy!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 627 kcal
Course: Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups packed fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 4 cups cooked bucatini noodles (about 200-250g dried pasta)
  • More salt & pepper to taste
  • Garnish: fresh basil leaves,parmesan cheese

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To a food processor or blender add fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic cloves, shredded parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
  2. Start the food processor or blender and blend until finely chopped.
  3. With the food processor or blender on low speed, drizzle in the olive oil and blend to desired consistency.
  4. Once the desired consistency is reached, taste and adjust seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper or another handful of basil.
  5. To serve with pasta, cook bucatini noodles in a large pot according to the package directions and save a 1/4 cup cooking liquid.
  6. Once pasta is cooked, in a pan over low heat add the pesto sauce with the drained noodles and ¼ cup cooking liquid. This helps adhere the pesto to the noodles. Cook until the cooking liquid is almost gone, just 3-4 minutes. Add another big pinch of salt and stir, then serve garnished with fresh basil and more parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Not using the pesto sauce right away? Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
  • If you find you want more basil flavour, add an additional handful of fresh basil.
  • You can definitely swap the parmesan for your favorite vegan option.
  • Make this gluten free by substituting your favorite gluten free pasta!
  • This pesto is versatile: mix into any fresh-cooked pasta or try adding to cold pasta salad; marinate tofu or chicken in this pesto sauce; or, mix a tablespoon or two of pesto with your favorite mayo to make a delicious wrap or sandwich sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories 627kcal (31%) Protein 16.2g (32%) Fat 32.2g (50%) Saturated Fat 6g (30%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g Monounsaturated Fat 21g Cholesterol 7.2mg (2%) Sodium 466.6mg (19%) Fiber 3.2g (13%) Sugar 2.9g (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 627

% Daily Value*

Calories 627kcal 31%
Protein 16.2g 32%
Fat 32.2g 50%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.6g 21%
Monounsaturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 7.2mg 2%
Sodium 466.6mg 19%
Fiber 3.2g 13%
Sugar 2.9g 6%

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