Description
A vibrant and flavorful Basil Pesto Pasta recipe featuring al dente penne pasta tossed in a fresh homemade basil walnut pesto sauce with cherry tomatoes and optional creamy richness from heavy cream, perfect for a quick Italian-inspired vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients For Cooking Pasta:
- 200 grams penne pasta (approx 2 Cups)
- 6 Cups water
- 1 tablespoon salt
Ingredients For Basil Pesto:
- 2 Cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ Cup walnuts
- ¼ Cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ Cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 – 6 garlic cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Ingredients:
- 1 Cup cherry tomato, cut into halves
- 2 – 4 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coarsely chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil 6 cups of water in a saucepan with 1 tablespoon of salt until boiling vigorously. Add 200 grams of penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the remaining water. Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make Basil Pesto: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine 2 cups fresh basil leaves, ½ cup walnuts, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, 4-6 garlic cloves, salt, and pepper to taste. Seal the lid and start blending the ingredients. While blending, slowly and steadily pour in ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil. You may need to stop to scrape down the sides and blend again, but do not blend for more than one minute total to prevent bitterness. Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator or proceed to use immediately.
- Assemble: In the bowl with the cooked pasta, add the prepared pesto sauce, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream if using, and ¼ cup of the reserved boiled pasta water. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick or the pasta absorbs it, add the remaining ¼ cup of pasta water and toss again. Garnish the pesto pasta with 1 tablespoon of coarsely chopped walnuts and additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve the Basil Pesto Pasta immediately, ideally with focaccia bread or your favorite side, enjoying the fresh and aromatic flavors.
Notes
- Pesto sauce should not be cooked vigorously or reheated on the stovetop; combine it with hot pasta off the heat to preserve its fresh flavor.
- Pesto tends to darken due to oxidation when exposed to air for long periods. Use fresh or store properly.
- Avoid over-blending the pesto to prevent bitterness.
- Feel free to swap penne for your favorite pasta shapes such as spaghetti or fusilli.
- Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and ensure it clings well to the pasta.
- Adding heavy cream is optional and will create a creamy, richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
