Penne Pasta with Pesto
Savor the vibrant flavors of Italy with this Penne Pasta with Pesto recipe—a simple yet irresistible dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes! Featuring perfectly al dente penne coated in a creamy, homemade basil pesto crafted from fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic, this recipe is a celebration of wholesome, bold ingredients. Drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and brightened with a splash of lemon juice, this pesto delivers a harmonious balance of earthy, cheesy, and zesty notes. Ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties, this dish comes together effortlessly, with the option to serve it as-is or topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a stunning presentation. Perfectly portioned for four, this quick and flavorful pasta masterpiece is destined to become a household favorite.
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Ingredients
- 400 grams Penne pasta
- 2 cups Basil leaves
- 1 cup (grated) Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Pine nuts
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves
- 0.5 cup Extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
While the water is heating, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
Step 3
Pulse several times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
Step 4
With the processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil, and process until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Step 5
Add in salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Process until all ingredients are well combined. Set the pesto aside.
Step 6
Once the water is boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 7
Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 8
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot penne with the prepared pesto.
Step 9
Toss the pasta to coat evenly, adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 10
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and basil leaves, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (730.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3346.7 |
| Total Fat 201.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 37.7g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 23.0g | |
| Cholesterol 88.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3008.5mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 309.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 2.8g | |
| Protein 92.6g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 945.2mg | 0% |
| Iron 19.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1320.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories