Heavenly Pasta with Pesto

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Heavenly Pasta with Pesto, a quick and easy dish that feels like a gourmet treat. Featuring tender spaghetti or linguine tossed in a homemade pesto sauce made from aromatic fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, nutty Parmesan cheese, and silky extra virgin olive oil, this recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining. Garnished with optional juicy cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and color, this dish is deliciously customizable. Serve it with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for the ultimate Italian-inspired comfort meal. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking fresh, herbaceous flavors in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 g Spaghetti or linguine pasta
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.5 cup Reserved pasta water
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set aside.

Step 2

In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Be sure to toss them frequently to prevent burning. Remove from the heat and let cool.

Step 3

In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and salt. Pulse a few times to chop and combine the ingredients.

Step 4

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a small splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the texture.

Step 5

Season the pesto with freshly ground black pepper and taste, adjusting salt or other seasonings as needed.

Step 6

In a large skillet or mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto sauce, adding a little of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

If desired, add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Enjoy your Heavenly Pasta with Pesto!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1035.7 grams (1035.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2211

Total Fat 163.60g	210%
Saturated Fat 34.20g	171%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.50g
Cholesterol 80mg	27%
Sodium 3739mg	163%
Total Carbohydrate 142.10g	52%
Dietary Fiber 13.10g	47%
Total Sugars 9.70g
Protein 63.90g	128%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1006mg	77%
Iron 8mg	44%
Potassium 1111mg	24%

*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: 64.1%

Protein: 11.1%

Carbs: 24.8%