If you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that’s packed with flavor, look no further than pasta with pesto sauce. This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight meal to a fancy dinner party. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make a delicious homemade pesto sauce that will take your pasta to the next level.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make pasta with pesto sauce for 4 servings:
- 500g pasta
- 2 cups basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Meanwhile, make the pesto sauce by combining the basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the pesto sauce and toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and basil leaves if desired.
That’s it! This pasta with pesto sauce recipe is incredibly easy to make, but it tastes like it took hours to prepare. The homemade pesto sauce is the star of the dish, with its bright green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor. This recipe is also very versatile - you can use any type of pasta you like, and you can add your favorite vegetables or protein if you want to make it heartier.
Variations
Here are some variations you can try to make this recipe your own:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can make it even more veggie-packed by adding some sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
- Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. You can also substitute vegan pasta for the regular pasta.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Pesto variations: You can experiment with different types of pesto by swapping out the basil for other herbs like parsley or cilantro, or by using different nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pine nuts.
- Protein: If you want to add some protein to this dish, try tossing in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Conclusion
Pasta with pesto sauce is a classic Italian dish that’s easy to make and always delicious. With this recipe, you can make your own homemade pesto sauce and take your pasta game to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Try it out and let us know what you think!
FAQ
Can I use any type of pasta for Pasta with Pesto Sauce?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta for this dish. However, we recommend using a short pasta shape, like fusilli or penne, as they tend to hold the sauce better.
How long does it take to make the Pesto Sauce from scratch?
Making Pesto Sauce from scratch can take around 15-20 minutes. However, you can also use store-bought Pesto to save time.
How long can I store Pesto Sauce in the fridge?
Homemade Pesto Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container and cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I freeze leftover Pesto Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Pesto Sauce for up to 6 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.
Can I add other ingredients to the Pesto Sauce?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to the Pesto Sauce to customize the flavor. Some popular additions include sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, and pine nuts.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, you can make this dish vegan by using a vegan-friendly pasta and replacing the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute.
How much Pesto Sauce should I use for a serving of pasta?
A general rule of thumb is to use about 2 tablespoons of Pesto Sauce per serving of pasta. However, you can adjust this amount based on your personal preference.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. However, keep in mind that the pasta may dry out a bit when reheated, so you may need to add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, you can serve this dish cold as a pasta salad. Just make sure to rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop it from cooking further and toss it with the Pesto Sauce and any other desired ingredients.
Can I use Pesto Sauce for other dishes?
Yes, Pesto Sauce can be used in a variety of dishes, such as on top of grilled chicken or fish, as a spread on sandwiches, or as a dipping sauce for vegetables.
