Name: Homemade Basil Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 bowls
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 0.25 cup pine nuts; 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 0.75 cup olive oil; 1 clove garlic; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 lb pasta

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Homemade Basil Pesto Pasta

These Carbs Don't Count Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

In a food processor, add basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Blend on high while slowly drizzling in olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth but still textured.

Taste and adjust seasoning or olive oil for desired consistency.

Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest.

Toss hot pasta with the pesto. Add a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat evenly.

Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Toasting Pine Nuts Magic 🥜
Always toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to intensify their nutty flavor and prevent a raw, bitter taste.
Basil Preservation Technique 🌿
Blanch basil leaves in boiling water for 5 seconds, then immediately shock in ice water to maintain vibrant green color and prevent oxidation in your pesto.
Pasta Water Perfection 💧
Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water before draining to help emulsify and bind the pesto sauce more smoothly to the pasta.
Garlic Intensity Control 🧄
For a milder garlic flavor, briefly blanch the garlic cloves in boiling water for 10 seconds before adding to the pesto, which softens its sharp bite.
Texture Mastery Trick 🥄
Use a mortar and pestle instead of a food processor to create a more authentic, rustic pesto texture with subtle variations in consistency.