Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that feels a little fancy but is super easy to whip up? Say hello to basil pesto pasta!
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts, this vibrant pesto sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta for a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
This easy basil pesto pasta will have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Serves – 2
Ingredients –
2 Cloves – Garlic
15g – Parmesan Cheese, Freshly Grated
15g – Pinenuts, Untoasted * See note down below
45g (1 Bunch) – Basil Leaves
3 Tbs – Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 1/2 Tbs – Sea Salt (1/2 Tbs for pesto, 1 Tbs for pasta water)
1/4 tsp – Ground Black Pepper
250g – Spaghetti or Pasta of your choice
Parmesan Cheese and Basil to serve.
Note* – I have used untoasted pinenuts. You can toast these if you prefer. It adds an extra nutty flavour to the pesto. To toast, place the pinenuts on a baking tray and place in a preheated oven set to 180.C or 350.F and toast for 3-4 minutes, until lightly golden. Add to the blender as per usual.
Instructions:
- Prepare Pesto:
- In a blender, combine garlic, Parmesan, and pine nuts. Blend for 20 seconds.
- Add basil leaves, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth, scraping down sides as needed. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and add 1 tbsp sea salt.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (e.g., 11 minutes for al dente).
- Reserve 1 cup (250ml) of pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Combine & Serve:
- Toss pasta with pesto in a large bowl, adding 1/4 cup reserved pasta water for a silky sauce.
- Serve in bowls, twisting pasta for height.
- Garnish with grated Parmesan, torn basil leaves, cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
