Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our easy basil pesto pasta recipe. This delicious dish features a vibrant pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Serve it hot and garnish with Parmesan cheese and basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor. This versatile recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Course Pasta
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Servings 4
Author N. Jay Sorensen, MBA RDN
Ingredients
1poundof pasta
2cupsof fresh basil leaves
3clovesof garlicpeeled
1/2cupof pine nuts
1/2cupof grated Parmesan cheese
1/2cupof olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
Meanwhile, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Process until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and return it to the pot.
Add the prepared pesto sauce to the pot with the pasta. Stir well, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
Serve the basil pesto pasta hot, and if desired, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Enjoy a flavorful and comforting meal with this easy basil pesto pasta recipe. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken, for a personalized touch. It's the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings and add variety to your pasta repertoire.