Pasta ao Pesto

Pasta ao Pesto is a vibrant and aromatic Brazilian vegetarian dish that combines fresh herbs and nuts for a delightful flavor. This recipe features a homemade pesto sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 30 grams
• Olive oil - 60 ml
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto by combining the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a food processor.
3. Blend the ingredients while slowly drizzling in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
5. Add the pesto to the hot pasta, mixing thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.25 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from basil, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Pine nuts provide healthy fats and protein, supporting heart health.

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