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Pesto Pasta

This simple pesto pasta recipe brings together fresh basil pesto with al dente pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. It's a perfect weeknight dinner that highlights vibrant, herbaceous flavors.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
664 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain gluten, milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Pesto Pasta

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 300 gpasta, any shape

pesto

  • 2 cupfresh basil, packed
  • 0.25 cuppine nut, toasted
  • 0.5 cupparmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 clovegarlic, peeled
  • 0.5 cupolive oil
  • 1 tbsplemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

garnish

  • 2 tbspparmesan cheese, grated(optional)

Equipment

food processor · large pot · colander

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

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

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    While the water heats, prepare the pesto. Combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor.

    About 5 min

  3. 3

    Pulse the ingredients until roughly chopped. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth but still has some texture.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated.

  4. 4

    Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.

    About 8 min

    Cook’s note: Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

  5. 5

    Drain the pasta thoroughly.

  6. 6

    Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and toss to coat evenly.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
664kcal
Protein
19.3g
Carbs
57.2g
Fat
40.7g
Fibre
2.9g
Sugar
2.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it seems dry.

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