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This Homemade Basil Pesto Pasta is fresh, vibrant, and packed with classic Italian flavor. It starts with a quick homemade pesto made from basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, and seasoning. Blended to your preferred texture, it’s then tossed with your favorite cooked pasta to create a bright, nutty, and savory dish. Simple, elegant, and satisfying—this is a go-to meal for busy weeknights or summer dinners that feel gourmet without the fuss.

8 Ingredients
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Ingredients

bowls
0 allergens identified

Instructions

1
|
In a food processor, add basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2
|
Blend on high while slowly drizzling in olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth but still textured.
3
|
Taste and adjust seasoning or olive oil for desired consistency.
4
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
5
|
Toss hot pasta with the pesto. Add a splash of pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat evenly.
6
|
Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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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.

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