Classic Basil Pesto Pasta

Whip up this vibrant pesto pasta recipe in minutes! Fresh basil, Parmesan, and garlic create an authentic Italian dish. An easy dinner for two or a crowd. Get the recipe!

Right then, let's dive into the wonderful world of pesto pasta recipe ! seriously, who doesn't love a good bowl of pesto pasta? i mean, it's quick, easy, and totally satisfying.

Is it one of the easy pasta for two ? absolutely, but you will want to cook more for the next day.

This isn't just any pasta dish; it's a taste of sunshine and happiness in every bite.

Whisk Me Away to Liguria, Darling!

Pesto, as you probably know, hails from liguria in italy, that gorgeous coastal region. it's all about fresh, vibrant ingredients, and it's been around for ages – a true testament to simple, delicious cooking.

We are talking of true pesto recipe dinner . lucky for us, this recipe is seriously easy and won't keep you chained to the cooker all night.

We're talking about a 30-minute wonder, yielding enough to feed four hungry souls.

Why You'll Absolutely Adore This Pesto Pasta

Honestly? it's like a hug in a bowl. plus, basil is packed with antioxidants, so you can feel a tiny bit virtuous while you're scoffing it down.

Pesto pasta is ideal for a quick healthy supper meals during the week, or even a last minute recipes dinner when you can't be bothered to cook something too fancy, and it's a total crowd-pleaser for summer barbecues.

What makes this pesto pasta truly special is the homemade pesto – it's just leagues above the jarred stuff. trust me.

Now, onto the good stuff – the ingredients!

Alright, let's talk about what you need to make this amazing pesto pasta recipe . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Keep it Simple!

Making a banging pesto recipe dinner doesn't need a ton of fancy stuff. This ain't rocket science, it's healthy supper meals made easy!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Right, so here's what you'll need. We're aiming for enough for easy pasta for two , or a cheeky little portion for yourself and seconds later.

• Fresh basil leaves: you'll want 2 cups , about 60g . now, listen, quality matters. you want vibrant, green basil that smells amazing, not some sad, wilted stuff from the back of the fridge.

  The fresher, the better.

• Pine Nuts: Grab ¼ cup , or around 35g . Toasting them lightly beforehand adds a lovely depth of flavour, but don't burn them!

• Garlic: 2 cloves , peeled. Honestly, I sometimes chuck in a third if I'm feeling particularly garlic-y.

• Parmesan Cheese: You need ½ cup grated, around 50g , plus extra for serving. Get the good stuff, not the pre-grated powder. Proper Parmesan makes a huge difference.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup , so 60ml .

• Pasta: 1 pound of your favourite pasta shape, so that will be around 450g . Spaghetti, linguine, penne, whatever floats your boat.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs Away!

Salt and pepper are obviously essential. But we're talking about bringing out those flavours. Don't underestimate the power of a decent pinch of sea salt!

This dinner pesto recipes really shines with simple seasoning. some people add a squeeze of lemon juice, which can really brighten it up.

If you're feeling brave, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. a great easy non pasta dinner recipes .

Equipment Needed: Keeping it Real

No need for a full kitchen arsenal! For this pesto and chicken pasta , you really only need a few basics.

• Food Processor : Unless you're seriously committed to the traditional route with a mortar and pestle, a food processor is your best friend here.

• Large Pot : For cooking the pasta, obviously.

• Colander : For draining the pasta. Simples!

See? nothing too scary! now you are ready to make pesto and chicken pasta or without it- your choice! are you ready to dive in to some last minute recipes dinner magic? you'll be crafting the ultimate chicken and pesto pasta recipes like a pro.

Honestly, even if you mess it up, it'll still taste pretty darn good. don’t miss out on delicious chicken recipes for pasta night!

Alright, let's dive into making some proper good pesto pasta recipe ! this isn't just any pasta dish. we’re talking about the kind of meal that makes you feel like you're on holiday.

You know, that feeling? let's get started!

Prep Like a Pro, Even When You're Not

First, mise en place , darlings! basically, have everything chopped, measured, and ready to go. two cups of fresh basil? sorted.

Quarter cup of pine nuts? check. it makes life so much easier. honestly, it's worth the extra few minutes. organise, and you'll be away laughing! safety-wise, watch your fingers when chopping.

No one wants a trip to a&e just for dinner!

Pesto Pasta Recipe: Step-by-Step

Here's the drill:

1. Blitz 2 cups of basil , 1/4 cup pine nuts , and 2 cloves of garlic in a food processor.
2. Add 1/2 cup of Parmesan and slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil .
3. Boil your pasta al dente . We're talking about 8- 10 minutes , depending on the shape.
4. Reserve a mug of that precious pasta water! Seriously, don't skip this!
5. Toss pasta with pesto. Add pasta water for creaminess. Sorted!

Pesto Pasta Pro Tips

Okay, listen up! for a real flavour bomb, lightly toast those pine nuts. it makes a huge difference. also, and this is important, season, season, season! taste as you go.

Oh, and don't overcook the pasta. nobody likes mushy pasta. last minute recipes dinner ? this is it.

Ever wonder what you’re actually looking for when you type "pesto recipe dinner" into google? a quick, healthy supper meal , right? you might be after some easy pasta for two , or even a quick easy non pasta dinner recipes .

I get it. honestly, this pesto pasta ticks all the boxes!

Want to jazz it up? try pesto and chicken pasta ! grill some chicken and toss it in. or, if you're feeling adventurous, chuck in some roasted veggies.

We can also include chicken and pesto pasta recipes and chicken recipes for pasta . it’s all about making it your own.

Honestly, this recipe? It's fool proof. So get cooking!

Alright, let's dive into the nitty-gritty, yeah? we've got a banging pesto pasta recipe here, but how do we make it amazing ? let's chat about serving suggestions, storage, and a few little tweaks to really make it your own.

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Pesto And Chicken Pasta Heaven

Right, so you've got your pesto pasta recipe . but how do you make it look like something outta masterchef ? honestly, plating makes a huge difference.

Swirl that easy pasta for two into a nice bowl. then, add a generous grating of parmesan! i once saw my mate, proper chef, use edible flowers.

It looked posh, but honestly, a sprinkle of fresh basil works just as well.

For sides, you can't go wrong with a simple salad. think peppery rocket, a squeeze of lemon, and a drizzle of olive oil.

It cuts through the richness of the pesto beautifully. also, sometimes when i need last minute recipes dinner , i throw in some grilled chicken.

Chicken and pesto pasta recipes ? absolute winner! a nice glass of crisp white wine, like a pinot grigio, elevates the whole shebang.

Storage Tips: No One Likes Soggy Pasta

Honestly, leftover pasta is a gift. you can have some awesome dinner pesto recipes even for lunch! but, you gotta store it right.

Pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it’ll be grand for 2-3 days. reheating can be tricky. microwaving can make it a bit…sad.

Instead, try gently heating it in a pan with a splash of water or chicken broth. this keeps it nice and moist.

I don’t recommend freezing it. trust me on this one.

Variations: Pesto Power!

Okay, so maybe you're not feeling the classic basil pesto recipe dinner . no worries! want it healthier? swap regular pasta for whole wheat.

Want to spice things up a bit? add a pinch of chilli flakes to the pesto. boom. you can use spinach or rocket instead of basil for a totally different flavour.

One time, i even used kale! it was… interesting. also, if you are feeling like some easy non pasta dinner recipes then you can use pesto as a marinade.

For dietary adaptations, if you're vegetarian, you're already sorted! If you're vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. Problem solved! Just remember with all these awesome Chicken Recipes For Pasta , make sure the chicken is cooked!

Nutrition Basics: Healthy-ish Goodness

Okay, let's be real. pesto pasta recipe isn't exactly a salad . but it's got some good stuff in there! basil is packed with vitamins, and olive oil is a healthy fat.

Just be mindful of the portion size, especially if you're watching your waistline.

On the whole, a well-made pesto pasta recipe can be a part of some Healthy Supper Meals , especially if you're loading up on veggies and using good quality ingredients.

So, there you have it! a few simple tweaks to elevate your pesto pasta recipe . don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.

Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful! you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pesto pasta ahead of time?

While pesto pasta is best served immediately, you can certainly prepare components ahead of time. The pesto itself can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator (cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning). Cook the pasta fresh just before serving for the best texture, as it tends to clump when stored with the pesto. Think of it like prepping for a Sunday roast – get the bits done early!

How do I prevent my pesto from turning brown?

The dreaded browning! To keep your pesto a vibrant green, the key is to minimise its exposure to air. As mentioned earlier, pressing a thin layer of olive oil on top when storing it in the fridge helps create a barrier. Another trick is to blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before blending – it deactivates enzymes that cause browning. It’s like giving your basil a spa day before its big moment!

What kind of pasta is best for a pesto pasta recipe?

The best pasta shapes for pesto are those that have ridges or grooves, which help the sauce cling to them. Classic choices include linguine, spaghetti, and penne. However, don't be afraid to experiment! Shell-shaped pasta (conchiglie) also works beautifully, as the pesto nestles inside the shells. Essentially, anything that isn't too smooth will do the trick – it's like finding the perfect partner for a dance, they need to complement each other!

Is there a nut-free alternative for pesto pasta?

Absolutely! Pine nuts can be pricey and some people have allergies. A great substitute is sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. Lightly toasting them before adding them to the food processor will enhance their flavour. You can also try using walnuts if allergies aren't a concern. It's all about making the recipe work for you - a bit like adapting your favourite TV show to your own life!

How can I store leftover pesto pasta properly?

Leftover pesto pasta is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 2 days, but the pasta may become a bit softer and the pesto might darken slightly. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. To really maximize the flavour, enjoy it cold with a side salad the next day! Think of it like the next day's tea, not as good as the first day but still a good treat.

I'm watching my weight, is there a lighter version of this pesto pasta recipe?

Yes, you can definitely lighten up this classic! Reduce the amount of olive oil in the pesto, substitute part of the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a lower-fat alternative, and use whole wheat or vegetable-based pasta. Serving smaller portions and adding grilled chicken or veggies boosts the protein and fibre, making it a more balanced meal. It's like a healthy makeover show but for your dinner!

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