Fusilli Pasta with Pesto

Bursting with vibrant flavors, this Fusilli Pasta with Pesto is a quick and easy dish that delivers gourmet quality in under 30 minutes! Twirls of tender fusilli perfectly capture the velvety, aromatic pesto, made from fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, and rich Parmesan cheese. A hint of lemon juice elevates the sauce with a zesty brightness, while garlic adds a savory depth. This classic homemade pesto is blended with silky extra-virgin olive oil and tossed with hot pasta to create an irresistible, hearty meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner party centerpiece, this recipe offers versatility and bold flavors in every bite. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan and enjoy this Italian-inspired comfort food favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:12 mins

Total Time:27 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Fusilli pasta
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 2 large Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

Step 2

Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until all ingredients are finely chopped.

Step 4

Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor and pulse for a few seconds to combine.

Step 5

With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

Step 6

Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the lemon juice and pulse a couple more times to mix.

Step 7

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Step 8

Return the drained pasta to the pot, and add the prepared pesto.

Step 9

Toss the pasta and pesto together, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve a smooth, even coating.

Step 10

Serve the fusilli pasta with pesto immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	658.4 grams (658.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2872

Total Fat 160.40g	206%
Saturated Fat 27.30g	137%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 40mg	13%
Sodium 3066mg	133%
Total Carbohydrate 299.10g	109%
Dietary Fiber 15.10g	54%
Total Sugars 9.60g
Protein 70.80g	142%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 600mg	46%
Iron 9mg	48%
Potassium 1000mg	21%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.4%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 40.9%