Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of pine nuts
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup of sliced green olives
- 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce until well coated.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, black olives, green olives, walnuts, and feta cheese to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
5. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature
Serving size:
- 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 620
- Fat: 44g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 15g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer.
- You can use any type of nuts you prefer.
- You can use any type of cheese you prefer.
Variations:
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta for a protein boost.
- You can add roasted vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the pesto sauce ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make the pasta ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat the pasta, microwave it for 1-2 minutes or heat it in a pan on the stove over medium heat.
Storage instructions:
- Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the pasta, microwave it for 1-2 minutes or heat it in a pan on the stove over medium heat.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and shaved Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Shaved Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto sauce is too thick, add more olive oil.
- If the pasta is too dry, add more pesto sauce or a splash of pasta water.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta to the recommended time to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store the leftover pasta in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy in the 16th century.
Flavor profiles:
- The pasta has a fresh and herbaceous flavor from the basil and pesto sauce. The cherry tomatoes and olives add a sweet and salty flavor, while the feta cheese adds a tangy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the pasta as a main dish for lunch or dinner.
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