10 Minute Pesto Pasta (Kohler Food and Wine) The Recipe Critic from therecipecritic.com
Introduction
Pesto is a classic Italian sauce that is typically made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. It's a simple but flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. In this recipe, we will be making a traditional pasta pesto recipe that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make this pasta pesto recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound of pasta
2 cups of fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup of pine nuts
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
When it comes to choosing the type of pasta to use for this recipe, you have a lot of options. Spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine are all great choices. You can also use short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Choose the type of pasta that you like the most or use what you have in your pantry.
Basil
Fresh basil is the star of this recipe, so it's important to use good quality basil. Look for basil that is bright green and fragrant. You can also grow your own basil at home to ensure that you always have fresh basil on hand.
Pine Nuts
Pine nuts are a key ingredient in traditional pesto sauce. They add a nutty flavor and a creamy texture to the sauce. You can substitute pine nuts with other nuts like walnuts, almonds, or cashews if you prefer.
Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients, let's start making our pasta pesto recipe!
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Make the pesto sauce
While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped. With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the pasta and the pesto sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce. Toss until the pasta is coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of pasta water to thin it out.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the pasta pesto warm with some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves on top.
Nutrition
This pasta pesto recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that is packed with nutrients. Here's the nutritional information for one serving of this recipe (serves 4):
Calories: 610
Total Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 290mg
Total Carbohydrates: 56g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 16g
Conclusion
This pasta pesto recipe is a classic Italian dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. It's a great meal for any occasion, whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy meal that everyone will love.
