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Original Post: https://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/basil-pesto-pasta/

Basil pesto pasta topped with parmesan and fresh basil.

Basil Pesto Pasta

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Yields: 6 servings
Calories: 565kcal
Author: Shinee
Prepare this basil pesto pasta recipe with less than 10 ingredients and just 15 minutes for a family-friendly main course or side dish!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Basil Pesto

  • 3 cups fresh basil packed
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or more to taste
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Pasta

  • 1 pound fusilli corti pasta or your favorite pasta, Note 1
  • Kosher salt to taste for water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese for topping

Equipment

  • 1 food processor

Instructions

Make the basil pesto

  • While the pasta cooks, make the pesto. Add the basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and kosher salt to a food processor. Pulse until all the ingredients are finely chopped. Add in olive oil and pulse a few more times to combine.
    3 cups fresh basil, ¼ cup pine nuts, ½ cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Cook the pasta

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain. Save ¼ cup of pasta water.
    1 pound fusilli corti pasta, Kosher salt
  • Put the pasta back in the pot and add the butter and pasta water, gently toss to combine.
    2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Add the basil pesto. Mix to combine.
  • Add to a serving bowl. Top with Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves and enjoy.
    ¼ cup parmesan cheese

Notes

Note 1: Any pasta can be used for this recipe, but medium-sized pasta with spirals or ridges works best to hold the pesto sauce. If needed, opt for gluten-free varieties. 
Storing Tips:
- Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature.
- Transfer them to an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. 

Nutrition

Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 565kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 30g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 594mg