🌟 Pesto Pasta

I think this dish is incredibly versatile! It's simple to prepare, restaurant-quality, and has a refreshing summer feel.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2 to 3)

• Spaghetti / Linguine – about 250g
• Fresh basil leaves – a large handful (about 50g)
• Pine Nuts – about 30g (can be substituted with walnuts or cashews)
• Garlic – 2 cloves
• Parmesan Cheese – about 40g (grated)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – about 80ml
• Salt – as needed
• Black pepper – a little
• Optional ingredients: cherry tomatoes 🍅, chicken breast 🍗, prawns 🦐, broccoli 🥦

👩🏻🍳 Cooking process

Step 1: Prepare the pesto

1. Toast the pine nuts in a dry wok over low heat until lightly golden brown, then let cool and set aside.
2. Add basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and salt to a blender. Slowly add olive oil while blending until thick and smooth.
3. Tips: Don’t beat it too long, otherwise the basil will turn black due to overheating.

Step 2: Cook the pasta

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add enough salt (similar to seawater).
2. Cook the pasta for 8–10 minutes to maintain the al dente texture.
3. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta liquid before draining, as you will use it to make pesto sauce later.

Step 3: Mix well and serve

1. Return the cooked pasta to the pot and add pesto sauce and mix well.
2. If it feels too dry, you can add a little pasta water to make the sauce more evenly distributed.
3. Sprinkle black pepper and grated cheese, add ingredients (such as chicken breast or shrimp) and mix well.
4. Serve on a plate, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a few cherry tomatoes for a splendid feast!

💡 Editor's Tips

• Pine nuts are too expensive 👉 Use walnuts instead, the taste is good.
• Don't worry about the green sauce turning black. 👉 Add a little ice cubes when making the sauce, or make it and eat it immediately.
• Lazy version 👉 There are bottled pesto in the supermarket, but homemade pesto is much fresher.
• Upgrade your gameplay👉 Pesto can be used to spread on bread, mix with salad, and marinate chicken wings~one sauce for multiple uses.

🎯 Summary

Pesto pasta is a sure-fire and visually appealing dish, perfect for couples, friends, or just one person. It's refreshing and fragrant without being too heavy. You'll love it after just one try.