Spaghetti With Pesto
A vibrant, flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh basil pesto, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, with aromatic garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry the basil, then remove the stems.
- Place the basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, butter, and Parmesan cheese in a blender.
- Puree until smooth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto, consider adding a bit of heavy cream or using more butter. If pine nuts are hard to find, walnuts or almonds can serve as effective substitutes. Adjust the garlic to your taste; for a milder flavor, use roasted garlic instead. Remember to toast the nuts lightly for enhanced flavor before blending.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your spaghetti with pesto topped with additional grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of pine nuts for added crunch. Pair it with a side of Tangy Italian Cheese Bread for a complete meal or a light salad for freshness. This dish is also delightful alongside Biscotti-Italian Dunking Cookies for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To prevent browning, drizzle a layer of olive oil on top before sealing. When reheating spaghetti, toss it in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or broth to restore its texture, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Pesto contains roughly 2668 calories, with 30g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 249g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (94% of the Daily Value), protein (60% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 13g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make the pesto up to a week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container with a layer of olive oil on top to maintain its vibrant color and flavor. This allows for quick meal prep during busy weekdays.
What if I don't have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is unavailable, you can substitute it with 1/3 the amount of dried basil. However, the flavor will differ slightly. Alternatively, consider using spinach or kale for a different but tasty green base in your pesto.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with a nutritional yeast blend or a store-bought vegan cheese alternative. You can also use a plant-based butter substitute to maintain the creamy texture of the pesto.
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).