Perfectly Balanced Pasta with Pesto: A Quick and Healthy Recipe

Looking for a quick yet delicious pasta dish that brings together fresh ingredients in an effortless way? Our Pasta with Pesto is the perfect answer to your cravings. This versatile recipe serves up to 4 people, providing you with approximately 30 minutes of cooking time from start to finish.

Ingredients Required:

• 500 grams of spaghetti or your preferred type of pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (roasted for extra flavor)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Zest and juice from 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking the pasta)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil and Season Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it reaches boiling point, add your pasta. Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking time which usually ranges from 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta used.

TIP: While waiting for the water to boil, you can also start prepping the pesto sauce. This will help in optimizing your preparation process and making sure everything is ready when it's time to combine them together.

Pesto Sauce Preparation:

1. Toast Pine Nuts: In a small pan, lightly toast pine nuts until they become golden brown. This step adds an additional layer of flavor and texture to your dish.
2. Mix All Ingredients: Once all ingredients are ready, mix together the toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon zest, juice, salt, black pepper, and olive oil in a blender or food processor until smooth. You may want to taste it at this point to adjust seasoning according to your preference.

2. Combine Pasta & Pesto: Once the pasta is fully cooked and drained, mix it gently with the homemade pesto sauce. This combination of flavors from fresh basil, garlic, lemon, and olive oil will give you a burst of freshness and tanginess in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients especially when making pesto. The quality and freshness of basil leaves can greatly affect the taste and aroma of your dish.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season as you go along. This ensures that each bite is perfectly seasoned to your liking.

Optional Add-ons:

If you prefer a richer or heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken pieces or shrimp to the pasta with pesto. The protein adds an extra dimension of flavor and nutrition without extending much time in preparation.

The key to making this dish delightful is simplicity—high-quality ingredients and minimal fuss. By following these straightforward steps, you'll be able to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal that's packed full of natural flavors.

Final Thoughts:

Our Pasta with Pesto recipe provides an easy way to create a balanced meal rich in nutrients and flavor. Whether you’re looking for something quick during your busy weekdays or want to impress guests on the weekend, this dish is versatile enough to be prepared ahead of time.

Cooking Time: 1 Hour (Including Prep Time)

Servings: 4 People