Classic Pesto Pasta Dish

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.