Pasta al Pesto

Pasta al Pesto is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with a fresh, aromatic basil pesto sauce, creating a delightful vegetarian experience. This Spanish-inspired version adds a hint of smoked paprika for a unique twist, making it perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

• Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
• Fresh basil leaves - 50 grams
• Pine nuts - 30 grams
• Garlic - 2 cloves
• Parmesan cheese, grated - 40 grams
• Olive oil - 100 ml
• Smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Cherry tomatoes - 100 grams (for garnish)

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 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 cloves, grated Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
3. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
5. In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the prepared pesto, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from fresh basil.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts.

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