There’s something truly magical about the aroma of fresh basil filling your kitchen as you cook. Today, we’re bringing you a delightful recipe that celebrates this fragrant herb in all its glory. Our Basil and Artichoke Pesto and Pasta dish is a delicious combination of vibrant flavors that will transport your taste buds to a cozy Italian trattoria. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal with loved ones. Let’s dive into the culinary adventure of creating this mouthwatering dish!
Title: Basil And Artichoke Pesto And Pasta
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12 oz pasta of your choice (such as spaghetti or penne)
– Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the ingredients are roughly blended.
2. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
3. Add the quartered artichoke hearts to the pesto mixture and pulse a few times to incorporate them, leaving small chunks for texture.
4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed to suit your preferences. Set the pesto aside.
5. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
6. In a large skillet, combine the cooked pasta and the prepared basil and artichoke pesto. Toss gently over low heat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
7. Once the pasta is well coated with the pesto and heated through, transfer it to serving plates.
8. Garnish the Basil and Artichoke Pesto and Pasta with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Serve hot and enjoy the wonderful blend of herbaceous basil, nutty pine nuts, savory Parmesan, and tender artichoke hearts in every delightful bite.
Bring the essence of a rustic Italian kitchen to your table with this Basil and Artichoke Pesto and Pasta recipe. The earthy notes of basil and the tangy sweetness of artichokes combine effortlessly to create a dish that is both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, embrace the simple joy of cooking, and savor each forkful of this delightful pasta dish. Cheers to good food and happy bellies!
