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Pesto Pasta

Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta

A fresh and flavorful pasta dish made with vibrant basil pesto, tender pasta, and rich Parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick dinners, gatherings, or comforting weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 420
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta Base
  • 12 oz pasta
  • 4 quarts water
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • Pesto Sauce
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Toppings
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes optional

Method
 

  1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
  2. Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor.
  3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until a smooth pesto forms.
  4. Drain pasta and toss with pesto sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Add a splash of pasta water if needed and garnish with toppings before serving.

Notes

  • Store pesto separately for best texture.
  • Add pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
  • Substitute walnuts or almonds for pine nuts.
  • Best served fresh.