Pixicook
LoginGet Started
    HomeRecipesPastaPasta with Pesto Genovese
    recipe image

    Pasta with Pesto Genovese

    clock-icon30 minutes
    author-image
    Author
    Pixicook editorial team

    Embrace the traditional flavors of Italy with this vibrant Pasta with Pesto Genovese recipe. Delicate pieces of pasta are coated in a fresh, aromatic pesto, made from basil, pine nuts, and a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses. This is a dish that truly sings of Italian summer, no matter the season.

    Ingredients for Pasta with Pesto Genovese

    units in
    USchevron
    units in
    USchevron
    serves
    2 peoplechevron
    serves
    2 peoplechevron

    Spaghetti

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Italian Basil, Fresh leaves, picked from stem

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pine Nuts, toasted

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic, minced

    cloves

    Substitute chevron-down

    Parmesan Cheese, microplaned

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pecorino, microplaned

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Black Pepper, Freshly Ground

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Pasta with Pesto Genovese

    1. Boil Water

    Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, using just enough water to cover the pasta by 1-2 inches. This will save you some time waiting for the water to boil and will also ensure that you have plenty of starch in the pasta water to help hold your emulsion. Add about two teaspoons of salt per quart of water. Turn the heat to low and place a lid on the pot.

    2. Make Pesto

    While the pasta is cooking, prepare the Pesto Genovese. In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano and a pinch of salt. Pulse a few times to create an even, coarse paste. With the food processor running, stream in the olive oil until you have a smooth pesto. Taste for seasoning and reserve until you’re ready to sauce the pasta.

    3. Cook Pasta

    Bring the water back to a boil, toss in the pasta and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute less than the package suggests for al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

    4. Sauce Pasta

    Add the drained pasta to a pan with 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and continue to cook and stir. Once the water is about 80% reduced, remove the pan from the heat and add a small amount of the pesto, stirring vigorously to start the emulsion. Stir in the rest of the pesto and keep stirring to maintain the emulsion. Work quickly as this pesto can turn brown if held hot for too long.

    5. Serve

    Divide the spaghetti with Pesto Genovese between two plates and serve.


    Comments (0)

    Add your comment...

    Explore More Pasta recipes

    Explore More Collections

    Chicken Katsu with Shredded Cabbage and Scallions

    Chicken Fried

    Cucumber Salad with Garlic ginger and soy

    Easy Salad

    Crispy Skin Chicken Thigh with Garlic-Caper Pan Sauce

    Quick Chicken

    Broccoli Cheddar Delight Soup

    Vegetarian Winter