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Easy Pasta Al Pesto (Linguine with Pesto)
Pasta al pesto is a simple, flavorful Italian pasta dish made with pasta tossed in fresh basil pesto and topped with garlic breadcrumbs. This quick and delicious recipe is ready within 30 minutes and perfect for a weeknight meal.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 10 oz pasta I used linguine, 285 gms
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 portion homemade pesto
For the Garlic Breadcrumbs
- ½ cup bread crumbs or 2-3 bread slices
- 1 cloves garlic grated (add more for strong flavor)
- ½ teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seating
- Pinch salt
For serving (optional, adjust to taste)
- Red pepper flakes
- Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano grated
- Black pepper freshly crushed
- Garlic breadcumbs as per above
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Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water (salted) to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm or transfer to a mixing bowl.
- While the pasta cooks make the garlic breadcrumbs and prepare the Basil pesto sauce.
To make the breadcrumbs:
- Toast or air fry the bread at 400 for 5 minutes until golden and crispy. Cool and then pulse in a food processor a few times to a coarse texture. You can also use store-bought bread crumbs and skip this step.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the grated garlic and saute until fragrant.
- Add breadcrumbs and salt and saute until golden brown.
- Remove from heat and add Italian seasoning. Mix to combine. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
Assemble the pasta:
- Add the pesto to the cooked pasta. Toss well with tongs. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve this easy Pasta al Pesto immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked pepper, chili flakes, and garlic bread crumbs. Drizzle some olive oil and add basil leaves and cherry tomatoes if desired.
Video
Notes
Mix Pesto Off-Heat: Combine the pasta and pesto off the heat to prevent the basil from cooking and losing its bright color and fresh flavor.
Pasta: You can use long pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, and short shapes, like penne or fusilli, which work well. The key is using pasta with enough surface area to hold the pesto sauce.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to balance the flavors before serving.
Add Proteins or Veggies: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for flavor and nutrition.
Serve Immediately: Basil pesto pasta is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its vibrant color and flavor. It tends to turn dark when exposed to air (oxidization) for a long duration.
Nutrition
Calories: 323kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.02mg | Sodium: 1268mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 9IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg
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