Basil Pesto Pasta
Fresh, homemade pesto is an absolute winner. Making your own is simple and you will notice the full flavour by using good quality fresh ingredients.
How long will it take?
20 minutes
What’s the serving size?
Serves 4
What do I need?
For the Pesto
- ½ cup pine nuts
- 4 cups fresh basil leaves
- ¾ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 12 tbsp olive oil
For the pasta
- 500 g pack spaghetti
- 1 tsp salt
- Grated parmesan to serve
How do I make it?
- Preheat a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Add pine nuts and toast until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Place all ingredients except olive oil into a food processor and blitz until finely chopped. Slowly add oil while the food processor is running. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil over medium-high heat. Add spaghetti and cook according to the packet directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 ½ cups cooking liquid.
- Add drained spaghetti to the bowl with the pesto, along with a little of the reserved cooking liquid and toss to coat. Add more cooking liquid if needed to get your desired consistency.
- Serve with grated parmesan.
