Pesto With Pasta
A vibrant, flavorful pesto paired with pasta, combining fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese for a classic Italian dish perfect for quick, satisfying meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling water with salt until al dente, then drain.
- In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic, and pignoli nuts and process until chopped.
- With the processor running, slowly add olive oil in a steady stream until mixture is blended.
- Add grated Parmesan, Romano cheese, salt, and pepper to taste, then process briefly to combine.
- Stir in heavy cream if desired for a richer sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant pesto, use fresh basil and ensure the garlic is not over-processed to avoid bitterness. If pignoli nuts are unavailable, walnuts or almonds can be substituted. To add extra depth, toast the nuts lightly before using. If you prefer a vegan version, replace the cheeses with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based cream alternative.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pesto pasta warm, garnished with additional grated cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. This dish also complements Italian recipes like Triple-Cheese Manicotti, making it a delightful choice for a dinner party.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil on top. When reheating pasta, add a splash of water and gently warm on the stove, stirring to maintain creaminess. Avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pesto With Pasta contains roughly 2316 calories, with 141g protein, 341g carbohydrates, and 98g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (738% of the Daily Value), protein (281% of the Daily Value), and iron (222% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1694mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, ensuring it's covered with a layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation. Stir well before tossing it with the pasta to refresh the flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
While linguine is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even whole grain options. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
Is it possible to freeze the pesto?
Absolutely! You can freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).