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+ servings

Garlic Pesto Pasta

A delicious and aromatic pasta dish featuring homemade garlic pesto, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
Garlic Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts lightly toasted
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Cook Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make Garlic Pesto
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine and Serve
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the cooked pasta with the garlic pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  2. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the pesto by adding other herbs like parsley or using walnuts instead of pine nuts.

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