Nif's Pasta Alle Pesto

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Nif's Pasta Alle Pesto, a vibrant and flavor-packed recipe that celebrates the essence of fresh basil and classic Italian ingredients. This simple yet indulgent dish features tender pasta coated in a creamy homemade pesto sauce crafted from aromatic garlic, nutty Parmesan cheese, and rich pine nuts (or walnuts for a twist). Drizzled with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and finished with a touch of peppery warmth, this sauce clings perfectly to your choice of spaghetti, linguine, or penne, thanks to a splash of reserved pasta water. Optional sautéed cherry tomatoes add a burst of color and natural sweetness, while an extra sprinkle of Parmesan provides the ultimate finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, Nif's Pasta Alle Pesto is the perfect combination of convenience, freshness, and gourmet appeal. Whether hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this crowd-pleasing recipe will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Pasta (e.g., spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
• 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup Pine nuts (or walnuts as an alternative)
• 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.33 cup Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Pepper
• 0.5 cup Pasta cooking water (reserved)
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
• 0.25 cup Extra Parmesan (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and form a paste.

Step 3

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste and blend for a few seconds to combine.

Step 4

Transfer the cooked pasta back into the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to adjust the consistency of the sauce until it clings perfectly to the pasta.

Step 5

Optional: If using cherry tomatoes, sauté them in a small pan with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. Toss them with the pesto-coated pasta for added flavor and a pop of color.

Step 6

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy your Nif's Pasta Alle Pesto immediately!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(976.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1927.7

Total Fat 126.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 87.6mg	0%
Sodium 3964.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 142.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.2g	0%
Total Sugars 9.4g
Protein 68.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1161.5mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 972.3mg	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: 57.3%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 28.8%