Spaghetti with Pesto

This delightful recipe for Pasta with Pesto Sauce offers a quick and convenient way to enjoy a delicious pasta dish bursting with vibrant flavors. Whether you have store-bought pesto on hand or prefer to create your own fresh herb purée, this sauce comes together effortlessly, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknight dinners or when you’re looking for a simple yet delightful meal.

The key to this dish lies in the flavorful pesto sauce, which combines the richness of extra virgin olive oil with aromatic herbs, such as basil, parsley, or a mix of mild herbs, depending on your preference.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering of friends, looking for a quick family meal, or simply want to treat yourself to a satisfying dish, Pasta with Pesto Sauce will not disappoint. Embrace the simplicity and versatility of this recipe, and let the flavors whisk you away to the rustic charm of Italian cuisine.

MAKES: About 4 servings

TIME: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• Salt
• 1 pound spaghetti or other long pasta (or use a fancy-shaped pasta)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup Traditional Pesto
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt it.
2. Cook the pasta until tender but not mushy.
3. Meanwhile, stir the olive oil into the pesto to thin it a little.
4. When the pasta is almost done, thin the pesto further with pasta-cooking water (a couple tablespoons at a time) until it has the consistency of heavy cream.
5. Drain the pasta and toss it with the pesto.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
7. Top with grated cheese and serve, passing additional grated cheese at the table.

TIPS:

• When cooking the pasta, make sure to follow the package instructions for the recommended cooking time. Pasta that is cooked to al dente, with a slight firmness, works best for this recipe.
• To achieve a creamier and smoother consistency for the pesto sauce, consider adding a small amount of cream or ricotta cheese to the pesto before tossing it with the pasta.
• For a burst of freshness and extra flavor, garnish the finished dish with a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pesto sauce before mixing it with the pasta.
• Feel free to customize the pesto sauce by incorporating other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted garlic, or grated lemon zest for a delightful twist.
• For a healthier alternative, opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary preferences or restrictions.
• If you don’t have ready-made pesto, you can easily prepare it from scratch using fresh herbs, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Check page 27 for a classic pesto recipe and feel free to experiment with various herb combinations.
• When thinning the pesto with pasta-cooking water, add it gradually to achieve the desired consistency. You can always add more water if needed but cannot remove excess water once added.
• To make this dish even heartier, consider adding some grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables as delicious protein-packed or veggie-filled toppings.
• Don’t forget to season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste preference. The balance of flavors is essential to create a well-rounded and enjoyable pasta experience.