Espaguetis al Pesto

Espaguetis al Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful vegetarian Spanish pasta dish that combines the freshness of basil with the richness of nuts and olive oil. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also bursts with Mediterranean flavors, making it a delightful meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Espaguetis - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Olive oil - 100 ml
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the espaguetis according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Pulse the mixture until finely chopped, then slowly add the olive oil while continuing to blend until you achieve a smooth paste.
4. Season the pesto with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, and blend again to combine.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve a small amount of the pasta water.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the pesto, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 88 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 15 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in healthy fats from olive oil and nuts, which support heart health.
• High in vitamins A and K from basil, contributing to immune function and bone health.

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