Roasting Pine Nuts
Roasting your pine nuts will help to pull out their flavor which will add to the pesto sauce. The quickest way to do this is on the stovetop. Place the pine nuts in a dry skillet (don’t add oil) and cook for about three minutes, stirring often. Alternatively, you can place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for five minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch them closely as pine nuts can burn easily. Pesto is also perfection just over some freshly made pasta. Making homemade pesto is so easy, and when you combine it with some hot pasta, you have the best comfort food in a bowl. If you can’t afford the amount of basil that this recipe calls for, you can replace some of it with arugula. I wouldn’t recommend replacing all of the basil with arugula, but some of it is a great way to offset the cost while still making an amazing pesto. Even if you aren’t growing basil in your garden, it might be more cost-effective to buy a basil plant or two. After you make this recipe, you will be able to pop them in your window and let the plants replenish for your next batch. To ensure that they get enough water, set them on a tray and add an inch of water every few days.
Make the spaghetti. Cook your pasta according to the package directions and see my tips below.Blend the basil and garlic. Mince together well in your food processor and be sure to scrape down the sides. Add in the pine nuts followed by the olive oil. Add the parmesan. Continue to process until it is smooth and well combined. Add salt and pepper. See my tips below for how to adjust the thickness of your pesto. Toss pasta with pesto.
Use plenty of water. To make one pound of spaghetti, you will need four quarts or 16 cups of water which will allow to pasta to expand comfortably.Salt your water. Add one teaspoon of kosher salt to the water.Bring your water to a roaring boil. Wait to throw in the uncooked pasta until you see big bubbles.Set a timer. As soon as you toss in the pasta, set a timer for the bottom end of the time range on the box. This will ensure that your pasta is cooked to al dente.
Take this basil pesto pasta recipe up a notch with this pesto pasta salad perfect for a picnic or side dish. I love to make Pesto Chicken Salad for an easy and delicious lunch.This Easy Pesto Pizza Recipe will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.
If you try this basil pesto pasta recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave a review and let me know what you think!
