Best Perfect Pesto Pasta Recipes

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PERFECT PESTO PASTA



Perfect Pesto Pasta image

The key for this recipe is to add the basil at the end instead of blending everything all at once. Use an olive oil good enough for sipping-there's a lot of it.

Provided by Andy Baraghani

Categories     Bon Appétit     Dinner     Pasta     Basil     Parmesan     Pine Nut     Quick & Easy     Summer     Soy Free     Peanut Free     Kid-Friendly

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/2 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves, finely grated
3 oz. Parmesan, grated, plus more shaved for serving
6 cups basil leaves (from about 3 bunches)
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
12 oz. dried long pasta
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Toast pine nuts on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing once, until golden brown, 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a food processor and let cool, 5-7 minutes.
  • Add garlic and grated Parmesan to food processor and pulse until finely ground, about 1 minute. Add basil and, with the motor running, add oil in a slow and steady stream; continue to process until pesto is mostly smooth with just a few flecks of green remaining, about 1 minute. Pulse in 1 tsp. salt.
  • Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  • Place pesto and butter in a large bowl. Add pasta and 1/4 cup pasta cooking liquid. Toss vigorously with tongs, adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until pasta is glossy and well coated with sauce. Taste pasta and season with more salt if needed.
  • Divide pasta among bowls. Top with shaved Parmesan.
  • Do Ahead: Pesto can be made 1 day ahead. Pour oil over to cover by 1/4" to prevent browning. Press plastic wrap directly against surface and chill.

MAYA'S PERFECT PESTO PASTA SALAD



Maya's Perfect Pesto Pasta Salad image

My 10-year-old daughter Maya and I created this easy but delicious pasta salad, featuring her favorite pesto flavors. This salad is great as the center of a light dinner, or as a side dish.

Provided by mpkneip

Categories     Salad     100+ Pasta Salad Recipes

Time 1h5m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package corkscrew-shaped pasta (fusilli)
¾ cup chopped fresh basil
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup pine nuts
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, diced
½ cup finely diced red onion
½ cup finely diced radicchio
1 tablespoon mayonnaise, or to taste
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, oil, and garlic in a food processor; blend to make pesto.
  • Toss pasta with pesto and mix in red onion, radicchio, and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 488.6 calories, Carbohydrate 57.6 g, Cholesterol 8.1 mg, Fat 22.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 4.7 g, Sodium 214.2 mg, Sugar 3.4 g

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