Pasta with pesto sauce

Pasta with Pesto Sauce: A Simple, Quick, and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

The history of pesto sauce is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions passed down through generations. This aromatic sauce was initially created out of the necessity to preserve the fresh flavors of summer, used to enrich dishes with taste and color. Besides being delicious, pesto is also extremely versatile, suitable for various types of pasta, salads, or even as a condiment for meat.

In this recipe, I will guide you step by step on how to prepare pasta with pesto sauce, using both the quick method with a food processor and the traditional method with a mortar. Regardless of your choice, the result will be delicious and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

- 200 g fresh pasta (tagliatelle, penne, spaghetti, or your preference)
- 50 g fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts
- 6 - 8 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic (not too large)
- Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- Salt, to taste

Preparing the Pesto Sauce

Step 1: Choose your preparation method
If you are in a hurry or want to make a larger batch of pesto, the food processor is the ideal solution. However, if you have a little time and want to enjoy a sauce with a more rustic texture, use the mortar.

Step 2: Making the sauce with a food processor
Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, peeled garlic, and grated Parmesan to the food processor bowl. Start the processor and gradually add the olive oil until you achieve a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust with salt if necessary. It's that simple!

Step 3: Making the sauce with a mortar
If you opt for the traditional method, start by adding the pine nuts to the mortar. Grind them well until they become a fine paste. Then, add the basil leaves and crushed garlic. Use a circular motion to mash the ingredients together until you obtain a homogeneous paste. Finally, add the grated Parmesan and enough olive oil to achieve the desired consistency. Even though it takes a little longer, the flavor is incomparable!

Boiling the Pasta

Step 4: Boil the pasta
To achieve perfect pasta, bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add salt so that you can taste the water (about one tablespoon of salt for every liter of water). When the water starts boiling, add the pasta. If you are using fresh pasta, it will cook quickly, in about 2-3 minutes. Check the consistency, aiming for al dente. If using dried pasta, follow the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes.

Step 5: Mix the pasta with the sauce
After cooking the pasta, drain it, but remember to keep a cup of the cooking water! This will help you adjust the sauce if necessary. Mix the hot pasta with the pesto sauce, gradually adding a little of the reserved water until you achieve the desired consistency.

Serving

Step 6: Serve with style
Pasta with pesto sauce is served hot, and for an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Another detail that makes a difference is a glass of fresh white wine, which perfectly complements the flavors of the dish.

Helpful Tips and Variations

- Vary the pesto sauce by adding other ingredients, such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or even chili peppers for a spicy note.
- If you want a vegan version, replace the Parmesan with a nut-based substitute or nutritional yeast.
- You can use vegetable or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences.

Why choose pasta with pesto sauce?
Besides being delicious, pasta with pesto sauce is also a healthy choice. Basil is rich in antioxidants, and extra virgin olive oil contains heart-healthy fats. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner on busy days or to impress guests at a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use dried basil?
To some extent, yes, but the flavor will not be as intense. Use about one-third of the amount of dried basil compared to fresh.
2. What other types of nuts can I use instead of pine nuts?
Almonds or pecans are excellent alternatives that add a distinct flavor to the sauce.
3. How can I store pesto sauce?
Pesto sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week in an airtight container. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation.

I hope you try this simple and quick recipe for pasta with pesto sauce and explore all possible variations. Cooking is an art, and every meal deserves to be a celebration of taste. Enjoy!