Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the food processor or blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto until well coated.
6. Serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve at room temperature.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of walnuts, you can use pine nuts or almonds.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the pesto for a different flavor.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or spaghetti.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Tips and tricks:
- Toast the walnuts before using them in the pesto for extra flavor.
- Reserve some of the pasta water to thin out the pesto if it is too thick.
- Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, microwave the pasta for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped walnuts.
Garnishes:
- Parmesan cheese
- Chopped walnuts
- Fresh basil leaves
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pesto is too thick, add a little bit of pasta water to thin it out.
- If the pesto is too thin, add more walnuts or cheese to thicken it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente to avoid overcooking.
- Store leftover pasta in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
- Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and is traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil.
Flavor profiles:
- This dish is savory, nutty, and slightly sweet.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish or as a side dish.
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Region: Italian