Basil Pesto Recipe: An Italian Classic Pasta from Your Herb Garden

When it comes to herbs, basil is difficult to beat with its diverse range of culinary uses. Today, we're going to harness the power of this remarkable herb and turn it into a delectable pasta dish. Welcome to our simple, flavourful, and creamy basil pesto pasta recipe, a staple in every herb enthusiast's cookbook!

The Pesto Sauce: A Classic Italian Gem

Originating from Genoa, Italy, basil pesto sauce is a traditional Italian sauce that has become a favourite worldwide. Known for its vibrancy in both colour and flavour, pesto sauce combines the fresh aromatic notes of basil with the richness of pine nuts, garlic, coarse salt, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

Gathering Your Ingredients

To serve up this delightful Basil Pesto dish, ensure you have these fresh ingredients on hand:

For the Pesto Sauce:

- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (can substitute with walnuts)
- 3 medium-sized garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

- 500g of your favourite pasta (spaghetti or penne works well)
- Salt for the pasta water
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

A Step-By-Step Guide to Making Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta

Crafting the Perfect Pesto Sauce

1. In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil in a steady stream.
3. Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse again until combined.
4. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Voila! Your pesto sauce is ready!

Preparing the Pasta

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta, saving some pasta water.

Creating Your Creamy Pesto Pasta

1. Return the pasta to the pot.
2. Add the pesto sauce and mix well, using pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
3. Serve the creamy pesto pasta immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese.

Sit Back and Savour Your Creation

There you have it - an irresistibly creamy basil pesto recipe, ready to be served! Whether it's a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish will surely make your mealtime a memorable one. Don't forget to enjoy it with a glass of your favourite white wine for an authentic Italian dining experience.