Pasta with Pesto and Cheese
Bring a taste of Italy to your table with this irresistible Pasta with Pesto and Cheese recipe! Featuring tender spaghetti tossed in a homemade pesto sauce bursting with fresh basil, rich olive oil, garlic, and the nutty crunch of pine nuts, this dish is a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors. The creamy blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses adds a luscious, savory depth, while a splash of lemon juice brightens every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick yet elegant pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it hot, garnished with extra cheese and fresh basil, to wow your family and guests. Easy, aromatic, and utterly satisfying, this recipe is your new go-to for a delicious Italian-inspired meal!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup pine nuts
- 0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.25 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
Step 1
Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Place it on high heat to bring it to a boil.
Step 2
While the water is heating, prepare the pesto by adding fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
Step 3
Pulse the processor until the ingredients are finely chopped.
Step 4
With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice and give it another quick pulse.
Step 5
Once the water is boiling, add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Step 6
Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
Step 7
Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the pesto. Toss together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8
Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (659.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2837.2 |
| Total Fat 171.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 37.6g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g | |
| Cholesterol 99.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4055.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 266.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.7g | |
| Protein 83.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1179.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 15.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1226.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories