Cheese Basil Pine Nut Pasta

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Cheese Basil Pine Nut Pasta, a creamy, herbaceous dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover. This recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, velvety sauce made from Parmesan, mozzarella, and heavy cream, creating a luscious base that’s elevated by the aromatic freshness of basil leaves. Toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch, while sautéed garlic infuses the dish with savory depth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick and hearty meal is finished with a sprinkle of black pepper and optional Parmesan garnish for a gourmet touch. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pasta recipe is a must-try that’s sure to delight family and friends alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper (freshly ground)
• 0.5 cup Heavy cream

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, place a small skillet over medium heat and toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4

Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir until warmed through, about 2 minutes.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, mixing until smooth and melted.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water (1 tablespoon at a time) until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(841.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2365.6

Total Fat 152.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.2g
Cholesterol 303.2mg	0%
Sodium 4919.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 139.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.6g	0%
Total Sugars 4.1g
Protein 97.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1957.1mg	0%
Iron 8.2mg	0%
Potassium 679.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.1%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 24.0%