Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Make the Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, nuts, Parmesan, and garlic until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss & Serve: Mix the pesto sauce with the drained pasta. If needed, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Garnish & Enjoy: Top with extra Parmesan and toasted pine nuts. Add cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Notes
Pro Tip: Toast the nuts before blending for a deeper, richer flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian