Pasta with parsley pesto

Pasta with Parsley Pesto

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the delicious world of pasta with parsley pesto! This simple and quick recipe is perfect for an impressive yet easy-to-prepare dinner that will delight both friends and family. Moreover, the parsley pesto adds a fresh and vibrant note to the dish, making it an excellent choice for a healthy and flavorful meal.

The history of pesto is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. While the classic version comes from a combination of basil, garlic, cheese, and nuts, today, pesto can be adapted with various herbs and ingredients, and parsley is a popular choice due to its fresh flavor and accessibility. This parsley pesto pasta recipe is a creative and tasty variation that is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Ingredients:

- 500 g pasta (preferably penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 3 tablespoons parsley pesto (you'll find a quick recipe below)
- 500 g chicken livers
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil for frying the livers
- optional: grated parmesan for serving

Preparing the pasta with parsley pesto is a simple process, but with a few tricks, you'll achieve an extraordinary dish:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 12 minutes, until al dente. When ready, drain them, but keep a cup of the cooking water.

2. Cooling the pasta: After draining the pasta, it is important to rinse them quickly under cold running water to stop the cooking process. This step helps maintain the texture and prevents them from sticking together.

3. Mixing with pesto: In a large bowl, add the drained pasta and mix them with the 3 tablespoons of parsley pesto. If the pesto is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved water to achieve a creamier consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Cooking the chicken livers: In a skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the cleaned and chopped chicken livers into smaller pieces. Fry them for about 5-7 minutes until golden and well cooked. Make sure to turn them on all sides for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking.

5. Serving: Place the pasta with parsley pesto on plates, add the fried chicken livers on top, and sprinkle with grated parmesan if desired. This detail adds a touch of flavor and a delicious texture to the dish.

Helpful tips:

- Chicken livers: Buy fresh, quality livers and make sure to clean them well before cooking. You can replace chicken livers with turkey livers or cooked chicken meat (for example, grilled chicken breast) for an easier option.
- Parsley pesto: If you want to make pesto at home, combine 2 cups of fresh parsley, 50 g of nuts (such as pine nuts or almonds), 2 garlic cloves, 100 ml of olive oil, and salt to taste in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
- Vegetarian option: You can turn this recipe into a vegetarian option by omitting the livers and adding sautéed vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, for an extra flavor boost.
- Suitable drinks: This delicious dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthy option and will add extra nutrition to the dish.
- How can I store leftovers? Place the remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to consume them as soon as possible to keep them fresh.
- Is it possible to freeze the pesto? Yes, pesto can be frozen. You can store it in ice cube trays so that you have individual portions for future recipes.

This parsley pesto pasta recipe is not only a tasty meal but also an excellent way to add a splash of greenery to your daily diet. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, you are about to impress your guests with a dish that is both simple and refined. Enjoy your meal!