Quick and Flavorful Pesto Pasta

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Pesto Pasta is a delightful Italian dish made by tossing cooked pasta with a flavorful pesto sauce. The sauce is typically made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, nuts (such as pine nuts or cashews), Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil. It’s a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of basil and garlic.

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Directions:

Ingredients:

8 ounces (about 225 grams) of pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your preferred type)
2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

Prepare the Pesto Sauce:

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.

Add Olive Oil:

With the food processor running, gradually add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Combine with Pasta:

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and return it to the pot.
Add the prepared pesto sauce to the pasta and toss until evenly coated.

Serve and Enjoy:

Transfer the Pesto Pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil if desired.
Serve immediately and savor every delicious bite of this flavorful dish.

Cook’s Note: If pine nuts are hard to find or you have allergies, you can substitute them with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor.

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