Macarrão com Molho de Pesto

Macarrão com Molho de Pesto is a delightful Brazilian pasta dish featuring a vibrant and aromatic basil pesto sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh ingredients for a savory experience that captures the essence of both Italian and Brazilian cuisine.

Ingredients

• Pasta (e.g. spaghetti or fettuccine) - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 1 clove
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 40 grams
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams, halved

Steps

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
3. Pulse the mixture until coarsely chopped, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while processing until smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
5. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the pesto sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the desired consistency.
6. Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and gently mix to combine.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from basil, which can support overall health.
• Provides healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, beneficial for heart health.

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