Classic Basil Pesto Pasta - beautifully plated pasta dish

Pâtes au Pesto de Basilic Classique

Fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano, garlic, and the best olive oil you can find — pounded into the perfect pesto.

Préparation

10 min

Cuisson

10 min

Portions

4

Calories

420

Ingrédients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 0.33 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Notes du chef

I never cook pesto — I toss it with hot pasta off the heat. Cooking turns basil brown and bitter.

Chef Luca Bianchi

Valeurs nutritives

420

cal

26g

Protéines

16g

Lipides

61g

Glucides

3g

Fibres

488mg

Sodium

Trucs et astuces

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Avis (4)

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. It's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for Tuesday night.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The flavour combination is spot on. I added a little extra garlic because that's how we like it, and it was incredible.

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes and tastes like it took hours. My kids ask for seconds every time.

André G.★★★★★

Comme au restaurant! La sauce est onctueuse et les pâtes parfaitement al dente. Bravo pour cette recette.