This quick and delicious recipe for Easy Pesto Pasta features a homemade basil pesto sauce that adds a burst of flavor to any pasta dish. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this flavorful pasta dish in no time. The fresh and vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese come together to create a pesto sauce that will have your taste buds begging for more. Serve this Easy Pesto Pasta as a main dish or a side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz. pasta of your choice
Directions
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse until well combined.
- While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve some of the cooking water.
- In a large saucepan, combine the cooked pasta and the pesto sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved cooking water to thin it out.
- Serve the Easy Pesto Pasta hot, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.
