Perfect Pasta with Pesto

Pasta with pesto is one of the simplest yet most flavorful dishes you can make in your kitchen. This classic Italian dish is beloved for its quick preparation and vibrant taste, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts. With only about 20 minutes of cooking time required, this recipe yields enough pasta to serve four people generously. The combination of fresh ingredients such as basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil creates a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen.

To get started, gather all necessary ingredients including: 8 ounces of your preferred type of pasta (such as penne or spaghetti), two cloves of garlic, 1/3 cup of pine nuts, half a bunch of basil leaves, one cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, salt for the cooking water, and black pepper to taste.

Instructions:

1. Boil your pasta according to the package instructions in generously salted boiling water. Once cooked al dente (firm to bite), remove from heat and set aside keeping some starchy water for later if needed.
2. In a large mixing bowl, crush the garlic cloves with a pinch of salt using the side of a knife or a mortar & pestle until finely chopped but not mashed into paste. This adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the dish.
3. Add pine nuts to a dry pan over medium heat and toast them for about 2 minutes until they become golden brown. Be cautious as they can burn quickly, so stir frequently. Pour these toasted pine nuts into the mixing bowl along with the garlic.
4. Chop your bunch of basil finely by holding it in one hand while using a sharp knife to cut across the stems with the other. Alternatively, if you have access to an immersion blender or food processor, pulse until just barely chopped; this helps maintain some texture without losing all the freshness. Add basil leaves into the bowl along with garlic and pine nuts.
5. Whisk together the toasted pine nuts, finely chopped garlic, half of the grated Parmesan cheese (save some for later), fresh cracked black pepper to your taste, and three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a separate small container.
6. When your pasta is cooked just right, strain it thoroughly but keep aside about 1/2 cup of starchy water. Drain the pasta partially, leaving some moisture behind as this will help emulsify the sauce when incorporated later.
7. Pour the pesto mixture over the hot pasta, and gently fold everything together so that every noodle gets coated evenly with the rich pesto sauce.
8. Transfer the deliciously prepared pasta onto plates and garnish each dish with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally, you could also add some toasted pine nuts on top for an extra crunch!

The perfect pasta with pesto is ready to enjoy! Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or perhaps some crusty garlic bread for a more filling meal.

Not only does this dish satisfy your taste buds, but it also provides various health benefits due to its rich nutritional content. Fresh herbs like basil are packed full of antioxidants which can aid in reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Pine nuts contain essential fats that support brain function while also aiding metabolism regulation. Furthermore, Parmesan cheese is high in protein and calcium supporting bone strength.