Pesto Pasta
A delightful and simple dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine, featuring fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (choose your favorite type, such as spaghetti or penne) Choose any type of pasta that you prefer.
- 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade) Fresh homemade pesto can enhance the flavor.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is best for flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Used for sautéing pasta.
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
- to taste Pepper Adjust according to preference.
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved) Adds sweetness.
- ¼ cup pine nuts Add for crunch.
- 1 cup fresh spinach Adds color and nutrition.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combining Ingredients
- In a large pan, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and pour in the pesto sauce.
- Stir to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the pesto.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving
- Transfer the pesto pasta to a serving bowl or individual plates.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with optional cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, or spinach.
Notes
Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Reheat it in a pan carefully to maintain texture.