Simple Pesto Pasta recipe

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 20

Servings: servings

Calories: 546cal

Pesto Pasta is a simple summer pasta recipe made with homemade pesto. Fresh basil, pine nuts, and plenty of parmesan add loads of flavor!

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package directions.
Meanwhile, make the fresh pesto. To a blender or food processor, add olive oil, basil, Parmesan, nuts and garlic. Process until relatively smooth and combined. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, process again and adjust to your tastes as necessary.
When pasta is cooked to al dente, reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain.
Add the pesto to the pot with the spaghetti, along with a few tablespoons of pasta water. Toss until the pesto coats the pasta, adding additional pasta water as desired to make the sauce come together. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Serve.

Ingredients and Substitutions:

Herbs: you can swap some of the basil with other fresh herbs you have and enjoy, such as dill or parsley.
Pasta: any kind of pasta works here, since we are cooking it to al dente. Use whatever you have on hand!
Seasonings: feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or a splash of cream for added richness.