Pesto pasta is a delightful and simple dish that combines the fresh, vibrant flavours of basil pesto with your favourite pasta. Below is a detailed guide on preparing this dish using British measurements and ingredients.
Ingredients
For the pesto:
- 50g fresh basil leaves (about two packed cups)
- 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
- 40g pine nuts
- 30g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 90ml extra-virgin olive oil
For the pasta:
- 400g dried spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- Salt for boiling water
To serve:
- Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto:
- Begin by toasting the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant. Be sure to keep them moving to prevent burning.
- Combine the basil leaves, garlic, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt in a food processor. Pulse a few times to break down the ingredients.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil with the processor running until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 120ml (½ cup) of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl.
- Add the pesto to the pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated. Add more pasta water if needed to achieve a silky sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Tips for the Perfect Pesto Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and good-quality olive oil are key to a great pesto. This will ensure a vibrant flavour.
- Adjust Consistency: If the pesto is too thick, you can add more olive oil or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Pasta Water Magic: The starch in the reserved pasta water helps the pesto adhere to the pasta, creating a smooth, creamy sauce without extra oil.
This classic pesto pasta dish is perfect for a quick and flavourful meal. For a complete dining experience, enjoy it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.
