When it comes to elevating your pasta game, adding fresh herbs can truly make a world of difference. Purple basil, with its distinctive color and aromatic flavor, is a wonderful herb to experiment with in your cooking. In this recipe for Purple Basil Pasta, we bring together the vibrant hues and fragrant essence of purple basil to create a delicious and visually stunning dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into how you can easily whip up this flavorful pasta at home.
Purple Basil Pasta
Ingredients:
– 12 oz linguine pasta
– 2 cups fresh purple basil leaves, washed and patted dry
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: additional purple basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the linguine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a food processor, combine the fresh purple basil leaves, minced garlic, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth and vibrant purple basil pesto. Add more olive oil if needed to reach the desired consistency.
4. In a large pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the purple basil pesto and sauté for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese is melted and the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the Purple Basil Pasta hot, garnished with additional purple basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
The Purple Basil Pasta beautifully showcases the earthy and slightly peppery notes of purple basil, complemented by the richness of Parmesan cheese and the nuttiness of pine nuts. This dish is a delightful combination of flavors and colors that will brighten up any table and tantalize your taste buds.
So, the next time you want to add a touch of creativity to your pasta night, consider making this Purple Basil Pasta. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh herbs and the joy of homemade cooking. Enjoy the process of creating this flavorful masterpiece in your own kitchen!
