Looking for a quick and delicious meal that will satisfy your cravings for something comforting yet flavorful? Look no further than our recipe for Pesto Parmesan Pasta. This dish combines the fresh and herby flavors of pesto with the rich nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, all tossed with al dente pasta to create a mouthwatering dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Whip up this simple yet impressive meal in no time and bring a touch of gourmet dining to your own cozy kitchen.
Pesto Parmesan Pasta
Ingredients:
– 12 oz of your favorite pasta (such as spaghetti or fettuccine)
– 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/3 cup of pine nuts, toasted
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, and minced garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Add more olive oil if needed to reach your desired consistency.
4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of the reserved pasta water.
5. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
6. Add the prepared pesto to the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve the Pesto Parmesan Pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, and a crack of black pepper.
Enjoy this Pesto Parmesan Pasta as a simple and satisfying meal that is perfect for any day of the week. The combination of the fragrant basil pesto and the savory Parmesan cheese creates a harmony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. Plus, with just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy homemade meal. So why not bring a taste of Italian-inspired comfort to your table with this easy and delicious Pesto Parmesan Pasta recipe?