There’s nothing quite like the vibrant, herby punch of homemade pesto mixed with perfectly cooked pasta. My love for this dish started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of fresh basil would fill the air each summer. This pesto pasta recipe is for anyone who loves rich, flavorful dishes but doesn’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s incredibly easy to make, and even beginners will impress themselves with the depth of flavor they can achieve. W
hether you’re cooking a quick dinner on a Tuesday night or entertaining friends on the weekend, this pesto pasta will not disappoint.
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta of choice
Combine the basil leaves and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
Add garlic and Parmesan cheese to the basil mixture. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water for later, then drain the pasta.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the pesto. Add a little pasta water at a time if needed to make the sauce creamy and well-coated on the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade pesto pasta!
Final words
Thank you for trying out this easy homemade pesto pasta recipe! I hope it brings the same joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. Remember, the best dishes are made not just with ingredients, but with love and a dash of creativity. Happy cooking and don’t forget to check out more delicious recipes on my site.
Tags
pesto pasta recipe, homemade pesto pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian cuisine
