A delicious Pesto pasta & pesto pasta salad
This delicious pesto pasta recipe uses fresh basil pesto and reserved pasta water to create a glossy, beautifully coated finish. Simple, vibrant and ready in minutes.And if you would like a recipe for my delicious homemade pesto , I have a lovely recipe here for you to enjoy.
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Servings: 4
Cost: 15
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Mixing bowl (important — not the hot saucepan)
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cup (for reserving pasta water)
Ingredients
- 350 g dried pasta of your choice
- 1 quantity of basil pesto see previous recipe
- Reserved pasta cooking water
- Sea salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Parmesan grated, to serve
Instructions
- Cook your pasta of choice in boiling and well salted water, according to timing of your chosen pasta’s packet directions. Strain & be sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water (this is essential).
- Place the strained pasta into a bowl. Do not reuse the hot cooking pot for this or you will risk your basil turning from vibrant green to black basil pesto (nowhere near as appealing 😉).
- Add your homemade basil pesto as well as approximately 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water. Continue adding more water as it is required. You want it to be silky smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, according to your tastes.
- Serve with additional freshly grated parmesan when serving.
Optional additions for pesto pasta or pesto pasta salad:
- A handful of rocket (or spinach) leaves
- 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 lemon, zest of 1 lemon and juice of half a lemon
- A handful of pitted olives
- 400 g tin chickpeas, rinsed well and strained
Serve with additional freshly grated parmesan when serving.
- Can be serves cold as a pesto pasta salad.
Notes
- If you would like a recipe for my delicious homemade pesto , I have a lovely recipe here for you to enjoy.
- Always reserve at least 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Do not mix pesto in a hot saucepan — it can dull the colour.
- Add pasta water gradually until the sauce becomes silky and glossy.
- Best eaten fresh.