Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Pasta
Pesto Sauce
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water to a boil.
- 2
Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
- 3
Add 8 cups of pasta to the boiling water.
- 4
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 5
Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
Making Pesto Sauce
- 6
In a food processor, combine 2 cups of fresh basil leaves, 1 cup of pine nuts, and 3 garlic cloves.
- 7
Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped.
- 8
Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and blend until well combined.
- 9
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1 cup of olive oil until the pesto is smooth.
- 10
Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, then blend again to mix.
Combining Pasta and Pesto
- 11
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the drained pasta.
- 12
Add the prepared pesto sauce to the pasta.
- 13
Toss the pasta and pesto together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
- 14
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan if desired.