Homemade Pasta with Pesto Sauce

Looking for a simple yet delicious pasta recipe that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes? Homemade Pasta with Pesto Sauce is an easy and satisfying meal that you should definitely try! This dish is rich in flavor, packed full of nutrients, and is perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks alike. Let's dive into the process step by step.

Ingredients needed are:

• 400g dried pasta (preferably spaghetti)
• 250g fresh basil leaves
• 120ml extra virgin olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• Sea salt to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Cooking Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Servings: Serves 4 people

Instructions

The first step in making homemade pasta with pesto sauce is to prepare the ingredients. If using dried pasta, you can start by cooking it al dente as per package instructions. Boil a large pot of water and add your pasta, stirring occasionally until it reaches the desired consistency.

Once the pasta has been cooked, remove it from the heat, strain it well to prevent excess water in the sauce later on, and set aside.

Making the Pesto Sauce

To make the pesto sauce, start by finely chopping your basil leaves. In a large mixing bowl or food processor, add half of these chopped basil leaves along with half of the olive oil, 1 clove of garlic, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.

Once blended well, add more chopped basil leaves and additional olive oil to achieve the desired texture. The pesto should have a vibrant green color and a light consistency, not too thick or runny but perfectly spreadable. Season with salt according to your taste; keep in mind that some store-bought pestos are already seasoned.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

When both the pasta and pesto sauce have been prepared separately, gently combine them by tossing until all strands of pasta are coated evenly. Ensure that every piece has a good layer of pesto to enjoy its full flavor!

If using freshly made pasta at room temperature, you can skip adding olive oil beforehand since fresh noodles tend not to stick as easily compared to cooked ones. However, if your pasta was stored in the fridge, lightly drizzling it with some olive oil before combining helps prevent clumping.

Optional Garnishes

To take this dish up a notch, consider sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving for extra creaminess and depth of flavor. This optional garnish adds an authentic touch to the traditional Italian recipe!

Serving Suggestions

Homemade Pasta with Pesto Sauce pairs wonderfully well with various accompaniments depending upon your preferences:

• Baked garlic bread
• Freshly made Caesar salad
• A simple green salad tossed in balsamic dressing

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure to use high-quality ingredients such as fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. Fresh basil leaves provide a more intense flavor compared to dried ones. Additionally, when blending the pesto mixture, avoid overdoing it - aim for a smooth yet slightly chunky texture.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftover pasta or pesto sauce, here are some storage tips:

• Pasta: Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Pesto Sauce: Transfer the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, pop out individual cubes and store them back into freezer bags or containers. These pesto cubes last up to 3 months when properly wrapped!

Conclusion

Homemade Pasta with Pesto Sauce is a versatile dish that can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences while also being incredibly budget-friendly. With just a handful of ingredients and relatively few steps involved, this meal offers an excellent way to enjoy fresh flavors right from your kitchen.

Give it a try when you want something different but still simple enough not to take too much time out of your busy schedule. Enjoy your delicious homemade pasta with pesto sauce!