Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or sunflower/pumpkin seeds for nut-free version)
- 2–3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast (for vegan)
- Salt to taste
- 12 oz pasta of choice (trofie, fusilli, linguine, penne, or gluten-free)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a food processor, combine basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese.
- Drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Toss pasta with pesto and reserved pasta water until well coated.
- Serve immediately with extra cheese, pine nuts, or fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop, Blended Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired