Pesto Topped Pasta
Pesto Topped Pasta Recipe
Pesto-topped pasta is a delicious and quick dish that features pasta coated in a flavorful pesto sauce. Pesto is a classic Italian sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, and olive oil. Here's a simple recipe for pesto-topped pasta:
Ingredients:
8 ounces (about 225 grams) of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, or sun-dried tomatoes for garnish
Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions:
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Gradually add the olive oil while the food processor is running, and continue to process until you achieve a smooth and well-combined pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine pasta and pesto: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto until the pasta is evenly coated.
Optional toppings: If desired, top the pesto pasta with halved cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of freshness and color.
Serve: Divide the pesto-topped pasta among plates. Optionally, sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Enjoy your delicious pesto-topped pasta! This dish is versatile, and you can customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for extra flavor and nutrients.
