Bright & Bold Basil Pesto Pasta
Need a last minute dinner? This bright pesto pasta recipe is SO easy! Fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan make it sing. Ready in 30 mins! Get the recipe! ... Quick & Easy Meals
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered what to whip up for dinner when you're staring blankly into the fridge? this pesto pasta recipe is the answer.
Seriously, it's bursting with fresh basil and cheesy goodness! it tastes incredible.
Brief Overview
Pesto hails from the liguria region of italy. it’s all about simple, fresh ingredients. this pesto recipe dinner is super easy to make.
It will take you around 30 minutes total. it makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner!
Main Benefits
This healthy supper meals option is packed with antioxidants from the basil. plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens.
Pesto pasta is the ultimate comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist. i always make this for a quick and easy dinner when friends drop by unexpectedly!
Okay, let's dive in. Honestly, this recipe is practically foolproof. It's become one of my go-to last minute recipes dinner options!
You know, sometimes I add grilled chicken and pesto pasta to make it a chicken recipe for pasta , even heartier. It's totally customisable.
But first, we need to talk ingredients. without the ingredients, you can't even make dinner pesto recipes ! get ready to shop (or raid your pantry!).
Even if you're only making easy pasta for two , you'll still enjoy it!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for the bright & bold basil pesto pasta recipe ! honestly, good ingredients make all the difference.
You know? the better the ingredients, the better the last minute recipes dinner taste.
Bright & Bold Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment
Time to round up the goods! This part is crucial for nailing that perfect pesto pasta recipe.
Main Ingredients
Here's the lowdown on what you'll need, measurements and all.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: 2 cups (60g) , packed. This is the star! The basil should be vibrant green and fragrant. Bruised or wilted leaves are a no-go.
- Pine Nuts: 1/4 cup (30g) , toasted. Toasting is key! It brings out the nutty flavour. Watch them carefully; they burn fast .
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best! Don't even think about using that jarred stuff.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (60g) , grated, plus more for serving. Get the real stuff. Pre-grated is just sad. Freshly grated is the way forward.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Use a good quality one. It makes a difference!
- Heavy Cream (Optional): 1/4 cup (60ml) . For extra richness. I sometimes skip it; sometimes I don’t. Depends on my mood!
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) , penne, spaghetti, or fusilli. Choose your favourite shape! Make sure it's good quality pasta.
- Salt: For pasta water, and to taste
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavor!
- Basil + Garlic + Pine Nuts + Parmesan: This is the holy grail of Dinner Pesto Recipes . Don't mess with it too much!
- Salt & Pepper: Essential! Don't be shy. Season to taste.
- Aromatics: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. I love a little heat!
If you're missing something...
- No Pine Nuts?: Use walnuts or almonds. Not quite the same, but they'll do in a pinch for an Easy Non Pasta Dinner Recipes .
- Parmesan?: Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for a sharper taste.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, keep it quick!
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta, obviously.
- Colander: For draining that pasta.
- Food Processor or Blender: For making the pesto. A food processor is ideal, but a blender will work if you're careful. You might need to scrape down the sides more often.
- Large Bowl: For tossing everything together.
Household alternatives? if you don't have a food processor, you can try making the pesto by hand with a mortar and pestle.
It's more work, but you get healthy supper meals at the end! a rolling pin is a good alternative.
That's it! with these main ingredients and the right equipment, you're well on your way to nailing this pesto pasta recipe .
Chicken recipes for pasta with this pesto is also a game-changer, if you fancy adding some protein. you could even try pesto and chicken pasta, for a chicken and pesto pasta recipes recipe.
I promise, it's divine and makes excellent easy pasta for two !
Right, let's dive into making the best pesto pasta recipe ever! honestly, it's so easy, even i can't mess it up (and that’s saying something!).
I'm talking a super quick, flavour-packed meal perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you just can't be bothered. we're talking serious dinner pesto recipes gold.
Oh my gosh, i can almost smell the basil already.
Prep Like a Pro for Peak Pesto Perfection
Mise en Place: Get Your Act Together
First things first, let's get organised. that means prepping all the ingredients before you even think about turning on the hob.
Bash the garlic, toast the pine nuts, weigh your pasta, and get your basil ready. this is essential mise en place.
It seems boring, but it honestly saves so much time in the long run, trust me!
Time-Saving Tips: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Honestly, toasting the pine nuts in advance is a game-changer. i usually do a big batch and keep them in a jar.
Total lifesaver for these last minute recipes dinner ! another good one? grate your parmesan while the pasta water is heating up.
Small wins, innit?
Safety First: Don't Be a Klutz
Just a quick one, be careful when you are draining the pasta. Steam burns are NOT fun, okay? And try not to cut yourself when mincing garlic! My brother did that once; it was comedy for the whole family!
Pesto Pasta: From Zero to Hero in 6 Easy Steps
- Toast Those Pine Nuts: In a dry pan, toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts over medium heat. Watch them like a hawk ! You want them golden brown, not burnt black. This should take around 3- 5 minutes .
- Pasta Time: Get a massive pot of salted water boiling. Seriously, don’t skimp on the salt. Add 1 pound of pasta and cook it until it's al dente . Read the packet instructions, but usually around 8- 10 minutes . Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
- Pesto Power: In your food processor, bung in 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, the toasted pine nuts, and 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Pulse until it’s all finely chopped.
- Oil Slick (The Good Kind): With the motor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of olive oil until it turns into a smooth paste. A little heavy cream here helps too!
- Mix it Up: Drain the pasta and throw it into a big bowl. Add the pesto and toss until everything's coated. If it's too dry, add a splash of that pasta water you saved.
- Serve and Devour: Chuck on some extra Parmesan cheese, and boom! Dinner is served.
Pro Tips: Pesto Pasta Like a Boss
Expert Moves for Extra Flavour
Warming up the pesto with a bit of pasta water before tossing it with the pasta is a game-changer. it helps the sauce stick better and makes it all lovely and emufied.
Honestly, give it a try, you'll thank me later. if you want the pesto to be better than your local italian, make sure to get the ratios right!.
Common Mistakes: Avoid the Pesto Pitfalls
The biggest mistake people make is overcooking the pasta. seriously, al dente is king! another one is using old basil.
The flavour just isn't the same. make sure you grab the freshest stuff possible for this pesto recipe dinner .
Make-Ahead Magic: Be a Pesto Prophet
You can totally make the pesto ahead of time. just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Drizzle some olive oil on top to stop it from discolouring. healthy supper meals sorted!
So there you have it! i hope you enjoy it! this easy pasta for two makes a great date night dinner and this chicken and pesto pasta recipes pairs really well with chicken.
Or if you're wanting something different, you could look into more easy non pasta dinner recipes . honestly, pesto pasta is my go-to dinner and i hope it can be yours too!
Alright, let's dive into some extra tidbits about our bright & bold basil pesto pasta ! honestly, it's more than just a recipe; it's a little taste of italy right in your kitchen.
And who doesn’t love that?
Recipe Notes: Making This Pesto Pasta Recipe Your Own
This section is all about customizing your dish. We will also talk about how to best save it. Let's get into it.
Serving Suggestions: Dinner Pesto Recipes Done Right!
Okay, so you've got this amazing pesto pasta recipe , but how do you make it look amazing? plating matters! try twirling the pasta into a nest on the plate.
Then, spoon over extra pesto, and shower with parmesan. a sprig of basil? oh my gosh, yes! for sides, think simple.
Crusty bread is a must for soaking up every last bit of that glorious pesto. a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Fancy a bit of protein? grilled chicken or shrimp would be divine. for drinks, i like a crisp white wine.
Think pinot grigio. a pale ale also works. buon appetito!
Storage Tips: Saving Healthy Supper Meals for Later
So, you've made a big batch of this yummy pesto pasta recipe and have leftovers? no worries! for refrigeration, store the pasta and pesto separately.
This prevents the pasta from getting soggy. then, keep it in airtight containers. it'll last for 3-4 days. what about freezing? you can freeze the pesto! spoon it into ice cube trays.
Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. they’ll last for a few months. don't freeze the cooked pasta.
It gets mushy. reheating? gently warm the pesto. add it to freshly cooked pasta. if you do reheat leftover pasta, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Variations: Swapping Ingredients for Easy Non Pasta Dinner Recipes
Want to mix things up? let’s talk variations! need a dietary adaptation? no problem! for a nut-free version, swap the pine nuts for sunflower seeds.
This is a great alternative. going vegan? use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. and skip the cream. for seasonal swaps, think about what's fresh.
In the summer, add some sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor. in the winter, try adding roasted butternut squash.
These variations will keep this chicken and pesto pasta recipes interesting, no matter the season.
Nutrition Basics: Pesto And Chicken Pasta : Fueling Your Body
Let's be real: we all care about what we're eating! our pesto pasta recipe is packed with flavor. it also has some good-for-you stuff.
Basil is loaded with antioxidants. olive oil is a healthy fat. parmesan provides calcium. each serving has approximately 650 calories, 25g of protein, 35g of fat, 60g of carbohydrates, 5g of fiber, and 3g of sugar.
The fat and protein content makes this one of the most effective last minute recipes dinner , and easy pasta for two because it fills you up fast.
Just remember, these are estimates. actual values depend on your specific ingredients and serving sizes.
So there you have it! A few extra notes to make your pesto pasta recipe shine. Now go forth and create some culinary magic with this chicken recipes for pasta ! You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my pesto from turning brown? It looked so vibrant to begin with!
Nobody wants brown pesto – it's like a rainy Bank Holiday! To keep your pesto bright green, blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for a few seconds, then shock them in ice water before blending. The cold deactivates the enzymes that cause browning. Also, adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto can help preserve its color, as can storing it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top in the fridge.
Can I make pesto pasta recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep parts of this recipe in advance! The pesto itself can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge, following the tips above to prevent browning. Cooked pasta, however, is best served immediately. If you must cook it ahead, toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together. Remember to gently warm the pesto with a bit of pasta water before tossing it with the pasta, to ensure even distribution and prevent cold pesto shock!
I'm allergic to pine nuts. Is there a good substitute for this pesto pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Sunflower seeds are a brilliant and surprisingly tasty substitute for pine nuts. Toast them lightly to bring out their flavor, just like you would with pine nuts. Walnuts or almonds can also work, but they will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Just remember to check for other allergies as well, and adjust accordingly. No need to miss out on delicious pesto pasta!
My pesto pasta tastes a little bitter. What did I do wrong and how can I fix it?
Bitterness in pesto can happen for a few reasons. Over-processing the basil can release bitter compounds. Try pung the ingredients in your food processor instead of running it continuously. Using old or damaged basil leaves can also contribute to bitterness, so ensure they look fresh. A touch of acidity, like a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of sugar can help balance the bitterness. And never be afraid to add a little more parmesan!
How long does leftover pesto pasta last, and what's the best way to store it?
Leftover pesto pasta is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pesto flavour might intensify slightly, so you might want to add a little extra Parmesan when reheating. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave; you might need to add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It's not ideal for freezing, as the texture of the pesto can change, but needs must, if you do freeze it, use it within 1 month.
Is this pesto pasta recipe healthy? What are some ways to make it healthier?
Pesto pasta can be part of a balanced diet, but it's relatively high in calories and fat due to the olive oil, cheese, and nuts. To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil and cheese, and add more vegetables, like roasted tomatoes, courgette or spinach, to bulk up the dish and increase its nutritional value. Opting for lighter cheeses or adding white beans can also boost the protein and fiber content. Enjoy in moderation, as the queen might say!
