Pesto Pasta

This Pesto Pasta is a vibrant dish that combines the fresh flavors of basil and garlic with al dente pasta. It's quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting vegetarian dinner.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 50 grams
• Olive oil - 100 ml
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
5. Return the spaghetti to the pot and add the pesto. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
6. Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 17 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from basil, which may help reduce inflammation.
• Provides a good source of healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.

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