30-Minute Pesto Pasta with Roasted Pine Nuts and Parmesan
30-Minute Pesto Pasta with Roasted Pine Nuts and Parmesan is a delightful dish bursting with fresh flavors. The vibrant green pesto, made with aromatic basil and crunchy roasted pine nuts, coats al dente pasta for a meal that’s both quick to prepare and impressive enough for gatherings. Ready in just half an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan, and watch it disappear!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz spaghetti or penne
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup roasted pine nuts
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Your Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions; drain.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pine nuts until golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, garlic, toasted pine nuts, and Parmesan. Slowly add olive oil while pulsing until smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: Toss drained pasta with pesto in the pot until well-coated.
- Season It Up: Add salt and pepper to taste; top with more Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with additional pine nuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: Customize your pesto by using spinach or kale instead of basil. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.