Pesto Spaghetti

Elevate your pasta nights with the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Pesto Spaghetti, a quick and easy recipe bursting with fresh basil, zesty garlic, and nutty Parmesan cheese. This classic Italian-inspired dish brings together al dente spaghetti and homemade pesto, blended to creamy perfection with pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, and a hint of lemon juice for brightness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a weekday dinner winner that’s both simple and sophisticated. Optional juicy cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese as garnish makes every bite irresistible. Perfect for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike, this Pesto Spaghetti recipe is a tried-and-true favorite for family dinners or casual entertaining.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves
• 0.25 cup pine nuts
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 200 grams cherry tomatoes (optional)
• 0.25 cup additional Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Step 2

Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.

Step 3

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce.

Step 4

In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves (peeled), pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped and well combined.

Step 6

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 8

If using cherry tomatoes, wash and halve them.

Step 9

Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.

Step 10

Return the spaghetti to the pot and add the pesto, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired consistency.

Step 11

If using, add the halved cherry tomatoes and gently mix them into the pasta.

Step 12

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(922.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2417.2

Total Fat 177.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 38.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 11.5g
Cholesterol 91.9mg	0%
Sodium 3599.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 144.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.6g	0%
Total Sugars 10.5g
Protein 70.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1233.5mg	0%
Iron 10.8mg	0%
Potassium 1073.0mg	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: 65.0%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 23.6%