Pasta al Pesto
This classic Italian pasta dish features al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant homemade basil pesto. It's a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, highlighting fresh ingredients.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 667 kcal
Allergen information: may contain gluten, milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
pesto
- 2 cupfresh basil leaves, packed
- 0.25 cuppine nuts, toasted
- 2 clovegarlic, peeled
- 0.5 cupparmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cupextra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsplemon juice
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
main
- 340 gpasta, such as spaghetti or fusilli
Equipment
large serving bowl · large pot · food processor · colander
The method
Step by step
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
About 5 min
- 2
While the water heats, prepare the pesto. Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Toasting the pine nuts beforehand in a dry pan enhances their flavor.
- 3
Pulse the ingredients until a smooth, bright green pesto forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: If the pesto is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of pasta water.
- 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 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- 5
Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to a large serving bowl.
About 1 min
- 6
Add the prepared pesto to the hot pasta and toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The residual heat from the pasta will gently warm the pesto.
- 7
If the pasta seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Cook’s note: The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.
- 8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 666.6kcal
- Protein
- 17.7g
- Carbs
- 64.1g
- Fat
- 38.7g
- Fibre
- 3.2g
- Sugar
- 3.1g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store leftover pasta al pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce, or enjoy cold.