Easy Pesto Pasta: A Fresh Twist for Your Weeknight Dinner

Easy Pesto Pasta is a quick vegetarian dish perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a fresh basil pesto and ready in just 25 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Quick Meals

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pesto

2 cups fresh basil leaves Homemade Basil Pesto adds rich and aromatic flavors.
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste.
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Adjust according to taste.
to taste sea salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

For the Pasta

12 ounces spaghetti Preferred pasta shape; can substitute with penne or farfalle.
to taste sea salt Salt the water generously while cooking pasta.

For the Garnish

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For topping.
to taste fresh basil leaves For garnish.
to taste freshly ground black pepper For garnish.

Equipment

blender or food processor
large pot
Large skillet

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the pesto by blending fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Cook spaghetti in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine drained spaghetti with prepared pesto in a skillet over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Gently warm the skillet if necessary to enhance flavors.
Serve immediately, garnishing with Parmesan cheese, torn basil leaves, and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For the best texture, store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3 days, reheating gently with reserved pasta water.

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