Weeknights are a hectic time in everyone’s household. Between school pick-ups, sports, therapies, and errands, it feels like there is no time to get dinner cooked and on the table before the little cherubs turn into demonic, ravenous tigers. One of my favorite go-to dishes is pesto pasta. It’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal to throw together and easily feeds a family of four. You can pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread, and you can even substitute zoodles for pasta to make it a healthier version. We alternate between penne, rigatoni and fettuccine pastas. It’s a great meal for any time of year! The nice thing about pesto is that it’s not just reserved for pasta. You can use it on top of fish or chicken, slather it on some fresh Italian bread and top with freshly sliced mozzarella and tomatoes, or use it to replace tomato sauce on a pizza. The uses are so versatile and endless!
Perfect Pesto
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup pignoli (pine) nuts
- 5oz fresh basil, washed and dried
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese (or both)
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lb fresh or boxed pasta of your choice
Directions
- Step 1 Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions.
- Step 2 Spread the pignoli nuts evenly on a tin foil-lined baking sheet. Place in a cold oven or toaster oven and set the temperature to 350. Set the timer for 5 minutes. The pignoli nuts should be golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Step 3 In a food processor, place the basil, garlic clove, cheese(s), pepper, and pignoli nuts. Turn the food processor on to begin combining the ingredients. While it’s on, begin slowly pouring the olive oil in and allow all of the ingredients to combine evenly. Turn off the food processor and scrape down the sides. For a smoother and creamier consistency, allow the food processor to run for a couple of minutes until desired texture is achieved.
- Step 4 Add the pesto sauce to the pasta and toss to combine evenly. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Mangia!
Tamar Blazer is an attorney-turned-twin mom, with a passion for her family, friends, writing, good food, home decor and laughing. When she’s not lamenting on her lack of sleep, you can find her doing one of the too many projects she likes to take on, usually with a twin on either side.
