Pesto Perfection Pasta
Need a last minute dinner? This pesto pasta recipe is your savior! Ready in minutes, packed with flavour & perfect for a quick supper. Get the recipe now!
Recipe Introduction: Pesto Perfection Pasta
Fancy a bit of italy tonight? honestly, who doesn't love pesto pasta recipe ? this one's a winner, even if you're knackered after a long day.
It's bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours that'll transport you straight to a sunny italian trattoria.
A Taste of Italy, Quick Smart
This classic pesto recipe dinner hails from the liguria region of italy. traditionally, it's made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil.
This easy pasta for two takes about 30 minutes and serves four hungry bellies.
Why You'll Love This Pesto Pasta
It's proper delicious, first off! plus, basil is packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy supper meals . it's perfect for a last minute recipes dinner when you can't be bothered to cook.
What makes this pesto pasta recipe special? it's endlessly adaptable!
Ready to get started? Let's talk ingredients. Now, you could use any pasta for this dish. But, I recommend penne or fusilli. They grab all that yummy pesto sauce.
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this killer Pesto Pasta recipe. Honestly, the quality of your ingredients really makes or breaks this one. Forget that bland rubbish, we want proper flavour!
Pesto Perfection Pasta Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Ingredients & Equipment: The Arsenal You Need
Main Ingredients: The Pesto Dream Team
Here's the lowdown for four glorious servings.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of your favourite shape. Penne and fusilli are fab, but go wild!
- Water: 8 cups (2 litres) for boiling the pasta. Don't skimp on this!
- Salt: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the pasta water. Makes a huge difference.
Now, for the pesto itself. This is where the magic happens.
- Fresh Basil: 1 cup (120g) , packed tight. Seriously , use fresh. That dried stuff? Forget about it! Look for vibrant green leaves, no brown spots.
- Pine Nuts: 1/4 cup (25g) . Toasted lightly for extra nutty flavour.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , peeled. More if you're feeling brave!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin. Don't use the cheap stuff! You know that lovely grassy, peppery olive oil? That's what you want.
- Parmesan: 1/4 cup (25g) grated, plus extra for serving. Real Parmesan, not that pre-grated dust.
- Pasta Water: 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved. Don't forget this golden liquid. This will make a great Pesto Recipe Dinner
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life!
- Essential Spice Combo: Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simple, but crucial.
- Flavour Enhancers: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Easy Pasta For Two ? Reduce the chilli flakes.
- Aromatics: Lemon zest is brilliant. Adds brightness.
- Quick Subs: No pine nuts? Walnuts will do in a pinch. Last Minute Recipes Dinner and no pine nuts?, almonds too.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Obvs.
- Colander: For draining the pasta.
- Food Processor: For the pesto. Unless you fancy pounding it by hand like nonna!
- Large Bowl: To toss it all together.
Alternatives? a blender can work for the pesto, but be careful not to over-process it. a sieve can sub for a colander, just not as efficient.
This healthy supper meals is perfect for you!.
Honestly, this pesto and chicken pasta is one of my go-to dinner pesto recipes . it's quick, easy and always a winner.
Plus, you can easily adapt it to your taste. fancy some chicken? throw it in! got some leftover veggies? they'll be happy in there too.
Make this a chicken and pesto pasta recipes dish by adding tasty chicken. or even just some chicken recipes for pasta .
Don't limit yourself. remember, this is about your pesto pasta perfection! this is not one of those easy non pasta dinner recipes
Right then, let’s have a go at this pesto pasta recipe lark, shall we? honestly, it's one of those last minute recipes dinner dreams that’s proper easy to pull off.
Picture this: it’s a tuesday, you're knackered, and can't be bothered... this is your go-to. i swear!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Sorted
First things first, gotta get your ducks in a row. essential mise en place , yeah? this means having all your bits and bobs chopped, measured, and ready to rock.
If you’re using shop-bought pesto, give it a taste – sometimes they need a little oomph . got all your ingredients prepped? good.
My top time-saving organization tips ? while the water's heating, get the pesto ready. also, make sure you keep an eye on it while cooking! it's simple but can be dangerous! i once set the kitchen on fire while trying to deep fry.
Not a good day.
Pesto Pasta: Step-by-Step to Perfection
Right, let’s get cooking!
- Get 8 cups (2 litres) water boiling with 1 tablespoon (15ml) salt in a large pot. It’s gotta be a right rolling boil .
- Chuck in 1 pound (450g) dried pasta . I love penne or fusilli, but whatever floats your boat.
- Cook for 10- 12 minutes or until al dente. That’s Italian for still got a bit of bite to it . Don’t overcook it, nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Reserve about 1/4 cup (60ml) of that starchy pasta water. This is liquid gold, trust me.
- Drain the pasta in a colander.
- In a large bowl, sling in the drained pasta and 1 cup (120g) fresh basil leaves pesto . Toss it all about until the pasta’s nicely coated.
- Add a splash of that reserved pasta water. A little at a time, mind you! Until it’s all saucy and gorgeous.
- Serve it up with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Ta-da!
Pesto Pro Tips & Avoiding Disaster
Pro Tip #1: Warm your serving bowl first. Seriously! Makes all the difference in keeping your healthy supper meals nice and toasty.
Pro Tip #2: If you’re feeling fancy, try adding some grilled chicken recipes for pasta (hello, pesto and chicken pasta !). Or even some chicken and pesto pasta recipes .
Common mistake: don't skimp on the salt in the pasta water. it seasons the pasta from the inside out! one time, i went without and was left with a sad and unappetising dish.
So there you have it! a simple pesto recipe dinner that’s perfect for a easy pasta for two , or a quick meal for the whole family.
Forget the easy non pasta dinner recipes , this is where it's at! honestly, once you nail this, you'll never be caught short for a delicious, quick dinner pesto recipes again.
Enjoy, my friend!
Right then, let's talk about nailing this pesto pasta recipe . think of these notes as your trusty sidekick. they are here to make sure your dish is absolutely banging.
Honestly, these tips have saved my bacon more times than i can count. especially when i need last minute recipes dinner .
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key, innit?
Alright, first impressions matter. when you plate up, think like a posh restaurant, even if you're just scoffing it on the sofa.
Twirl the pesto pasta recipe into a neat nest. sprinkle with extra parmesan. a cheeky sprig of basil? bang on.
How about some sides? garlic bread is a no-brainer. a simple salad? perfect. and don't forget the drinks. a crisp white wine would be lush or some refreshing elderflower cordial.
You know, something easy, especially if it's easy pasta for two .
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh, Mate!
Listen up! leftovers are the best. especially for dinner pesto recipes . but you need to store them right. pop your leftover pasta in an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 2-3 days.
Freezing? yeah, you can. it will not be quite the same texture. when reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up.
A microwave or hob will do the trick, but make sure it's piping hot!
Variations: Get Creative with your Pesto Pasta Recipe
Want to mix things up? Course you do. For a Healthy Supper Meals version, use whole wheat pasta. Chuck in some roasted veg like courgette or peppers.
For those avoiding dairy, Nutritional yeast adds a lovely cheesy flavour.
How about seasonal twists? in summer, add fresh tomatoes. in autumn, butternut squash would be lush. you can also make chicken and pesto pasta recipes or chicken recipes for pasta .
Get creative. there are also easy non pasta dinner recipes , but why would you?
Nutrition Basics: What's the Deal?
Right, let's get a bit geeky. this pesto pasta recipe is packed with energy thanks to the carbs. the pesto adds healthy fats and vitamins.
But remember portion sizes. everything in moderation, eh?
Basil is a natural anti-inflammatory. parmesan is a good source of calcium. it is a good balance to be part of your everyday life.
Or, if you need pesto recipe dinner , then go for it!
Honestly, this pesto pasta recipe is a winner. it is quick, easy and delicious. don't be afraid to experiment. cooking should be fun.
Now, get in that kitchen and whip up a masterpiece. you got this.
![Pesto Chicken Pasta [kw]: Life-Changing Dinner Recipes](https://hellorecipes.net/thumb/360p/pesto-chicken-pasta-kw-life-changing-dinner-recipes-p.webp "Pesto Chicken Pasta [kw]: Life-Changing Dinner Recipes : PIN FOR LATER")
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my pesto pasta recipe from being too oily? It's a bit like a swimming pool!
Ah, the dreaded oily pasta! The key is the pasta water. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy water after cooking your pasta and add it to the pesto and pasta mixture. The starch in the water helps emufy the sauce, creating a creamy consistency and preventing the oil from separating. Think of it as the fairy liquid of the pasta world, bringing everything together nicely.
Can I make this pesto pasta recipe ahead of time, or will it turn into a gloopy mess?
While pesto pasta is best served fresh for optimal flavour and texture, you can definitely prep some components in advance. Cook the pasta al dente, and store it separately in the fridge. You can also make the pesto (or use store-bought, no judgment!) a day or two beforehand. When you're ready to serve, simply toss the pasta with the pesto and a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. Avoid combining everything too far in advance as the pasta will absorb the pesto and become a bit sticky, like day-old porridge.
I'm allergic to pine nuts – what can I use instead in my pesto pasta recipe?
No worries, mate! Pine nuts can be pricey and allergy-inducing. Walnuts or almonds are excellent substitutes in pesto. Toasting them lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the food processor will enhance their flavour. You could even try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option; they'll still give you that nice bit of texture.
What's the best way to store leftover pesto pasta? Will it keep until next Tuesday?
Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be good for up to 2-3 days. Just be aware that the pesto might darken a bit, but that's perfectly normal. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it up. Sadly, it's unlikely to last until next Tuesday, but it's a darn good reason to have it for lunch tomorrow!
Is pesto pasta recipe actually healthy? I feel a bit naughty eating it sometimes!
Well, it's not exactly a salad, is it? But pesto pasta can be part of a balanced diet. Basil is packed with antioxidants, and olive oil provides healthy fats. Portion control is key, as pesto is calorie-dense. You can also add veggies like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or grilled courgette (zucchini) to boost the nutritional value. Think of it as a treat that's not too naughty!
I'm a bit rubbish at cooking, can you suggest an idiot-proof way of adding chicken to this dish to make pesto chicken pasta?
Don't you worry, it's easier than putting the kettle on! Grab some pre-cooked chicken breast from the supermarket, the sliced kind that you'd put in a sandwich will do. Slice it into smaller pieces, and simply stir it in with the pasta and pesto at the end. Another method is to buy some chicken mini fillets, fry them in a pan with a little oil until cooked, and then add to the pasta and pesto. Absolute doddle!