Description
A simple and flavorful Pesto Pasta recipe perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Fresh homemade pesto blends beautifully with al dente spaghetti, enhanced by reserved pasta water to create a smooth, saucy coating. Garnished with Parmesan, this dish brings authentic Italian flavors to your table in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seasoning
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Pesto
- 1 cup homemade pesto
Topping
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the spaghetti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, carefully spoon out one cup of the cooking water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine with Pesto: Transfer the drained pasta to a separate bowl. Add 1 cup of the reserved pasta water along with 1 cup of homemade pesto. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. Add more pasta water if necessary to achieve a saucy consistency you prefer.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pesto pasta immediately, garnished generously with fresh Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
Notes
- Using reserved pasta water helps to thin the pesto and allows it to cling perfectly to the pasta.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or substitute with a plant-based cheese.
- Feel free to add toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves as toppings for extra texture.
- If using store-bought pesto, choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
