Do you want to make a delicious, vibrant, and flavorful pasta dish in just a few easy steps? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to make basil pesto pasta.
With this quick and easy recipe, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
From gathering the ingredients to adding the final toppings, this guide will provide all the information you need to make a delicious basil pesto pasta.
So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To make basil pesto pasta, first cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto by blending together fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and mix it with the pesto.
Serve the pesto pasta hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy!
What You’ll Need
If youre looking for an easy and delicious Italian dish, look no further than basil pesto pasta. To make this hearty meal, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: pasta of your choice, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or olives to give the dish a unique twist. Youll also need a pot to boil the pasta, a food processor or blender to make the pesto, and a serving dish to plate the delicious finished product. Gather up your ingredients and get ready to make a delicious Italian meal.
Boiling the Water & Cooking the Pasta
Boiling the water and cooking the pasta is the foundation of any good basil pesto pasta dish.
To get started, fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water and stir to combine.
Now you can add the pasta to the pot and stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, usually for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and let it cool before adding the pesto.
Making the Pesto
Making the pesto for basil pesto pasta is the key to making a delicious and flavorful dish. To make the pesto, you will need a few simple ingredients: fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Start by combining the basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts in a food processor or blender. Make sure to blend the ingredients together until you have a paste-like consistency. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to the mixture for extra flavor. Once your pesto is ready, its time to move on to the next step and make the pasta.
Combining the Pesto and the Pasta
Once the pasta is cooked to your desired doneness, its time to combine it with the pesto.
Start by adding the pesto to the cooked pasta in a large bowl.
Then, mix the two together until the pesto is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
You can also use a spoon to scoop the pesto out of the food processor and spread it evenly over the pasta.
If your pesto is too thick, you can add a bit of the pasta cooking liquid to thin it out.
Once the pesto is evenly mixed with the pasta, its ready to serve.
Before serving, top the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
This cheese is the perfect addition to this flavorful dish.
And, if youre feeling adventurous, you can also add some freshly chopped tomatoes for added color and texture.
Now that your basil pesto pasta is complete, its ready to be enjoyed.
Serve it warm or cold, depending on your preference, and enjoy all the delicious flavors of Italy in one meal.
From the fresh basil and garlic to the nutty pine nuts, the pesto sauce adds an explosion of flavor to this easy and delicious dish.
Bon Apptit!
Toppings
When it comes to topping off your delicious basil pesto pasta, there’s no shortage of options.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the classic choice, but you can also experiment with other cheeses, herbs, and vegetables.
For instance, you can add a sprinkle of sharp pecorino cheese for a saltier flavor or top with a few slices of mozzarella for a creamy finish.
If you’re looking for a bit of crunch, try adding some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
You can also add a bit of heat to your dish with some red pepper flakes.
For a pop of color and flavor, try topping with a few fresh basil leaves, some chopped cherry tomatoes, or even some roasted garlic.
The possibilities are endless!
Serving & Storage
Once your basil pesto pasta is prepared, it is time to serve and enjoy your delicious Italian meal.
To store any leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
When you’re ready to serve the meal again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For a special presentation, serve the pasta in a bowl with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for garnish.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding other ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for an added boost of flavor.
For a heartier meal, serve the pasta with a side of grilled chicken or shrimp.
No matter how you choose to serve it, your basil pesto pasta is sure to be a hit.
Enjoy!
Variations
Basil pesto pasta is a classic Italian dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are plenty of variations that can be made to give the dish your own unique spin.
For example, if youre looking for a vegan version of the dish, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast.
If youre wanting to add a bit of heat to the dish, try adding some red pepper flakes or crushed red pepper.
To make the dish a bit richer and creamier, you can add some cream or half-and-half to the pesto before mixing it with the pasta.
For a bit of extra flavor, you can also add some lemon juice or zest, or a dollop of ricotta cheese.
The possibilities are endless, so dont be afraid to experiment and try different variations of the dish.
Bon appetit!
Final Thoughts
With just a few simple steps, you can easily make a delicious basil pesto pasta.
All you need is a pot of boiling water, some cooked pasta, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
Blend the ingredients together into a paste, add it to the cooked pasta, and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve and enjoy! Now that you know how to make basil pesto pasta, why not give it a try today?