Pesto pasta is a popular dish among people due to its vibrant green hues of the basil, savory garlic notes, and nutty flavor of the pine nuts. This dish is not only easy to make but also a perfect addition to your summer garden party menu. The step-by-step guide consists of a two-step process of making pesto sauce and cooking pasta, followed by combining the pasta with the pesto sauce to achieve a creamier consistency. To garnish, serve the pasta hot with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese alongside garlic bread or a simple garden salad.
The Perfect Pesto Pasta for Your Summer Garden Party
Introduction
Summer is the perfect season for outdoor parties and gatherings, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious food? One classic dish that’s a hit among almost everyone is pesto pasta. The vibrant green hues of the basil, the savory notes of the garlic, and the nutty flavor of the pine nuts mesh together beautifully, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser. It’s not just easy to make, but also a perfect addition to your summer garden party menu. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making the perfect pesto pasta for your summer garden party.
Ingredients
For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fusilli, penne, etc.)
- 1-2 tablespoons salt
For Serving:
- Grated parmesan cheese (optional)
- Additional fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pesto Sauce
Begin by washing and drying the basil leaves. Remove any stems and discard them. In a food processor, pulse the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic until coarsely chopped. Gradually add the parmesan cheese and salt, while pulsing continuously. Lastly, add the olive oil in a steady stream until the pesto is well blended and contains no large chunks of basil or nuts. Set the pesto sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of water on the stove over high heat. The pot should be big enough to accommodate the pasta, with enough room to move around. Add the salt and pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the package, until it’s al dente. Once cooked, reserve a cup of the pasta water, and drain the remaining water from the pot. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it from cooking further and set it aside.
Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Pesto Sauce
Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl. Add the pesto sauce to the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. For a creamier consistency, add a few spoonfuls of the reserved pasta water until your desired consistency is achieved.
Step 4: Final Touches
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. You can also serve a side of garlic bread or a simple garden salad to complement the pasta’s flavor.
Conclusion
Making pesto pasta is not only easy, but it’s also a versatile recipe that can be customized in endless ways. With a few adjustments to the ingredients, you can make it vegan, gluten-free, and even experiment with different herbs, nuts, and cheeses. It’s an excellent addition to any summer garden party menu, as it’s quick to make and delicious to eat. Give this recipe a try, and your guests will be coming back for seconds!