When it comes to the deep sensational vibes in the world of flavors, the pasta recipe using pesto grabs a distinctive place. It is unique in its taste and color as well. When you want to come out of the customary and traditional pasta variations, this recipe must be the 1st choice because pasta recipe using pesto is not only rich in taste but also has more nutrition than other sauces. Most of all, it is very quick and really simple to make.
With each passing day, new additions in the realm of tastes are being made. New culinary discoveries have left us with too many choices. One such fantastic choice is a pasta recipe using pesto. Usually when pasta is served with sauces, we have mainly tomato sauce or white sauce. The 3rd topmost option is to serve pasta in pesto sauce and believe me! this 3rd option wins hands down in the flavor department.
This recipe is a hot option for formal dinners with some extra cheesy flow. At the same time its ease and comfort factor which is deeply felt during its preparation, makes it a common choice for regular meals.
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Why and When to Choose Pesto with Pasta…
When you compare other pasta sauces with pesto sauce you will come to know about certain interesting facts like we see that pesto sauce makes the pasta extremely rich in taste and leaves you craving for an extra bowl. But still it is the least used option. Why? The reason might be the cost of pesto sauce. Making pasta recipe using pesto is an expensive endeavor. Same is the reason for its scarcity. The seasoned chefs use it in their signature recipes or it is served in high class parties. So should we assume that making pasta recipe using pesto is not a fair deal for a common man? No, not at all!
Again it is not a matter of concern. When you buy pesto sauce in packaged form from a store, it will definitely cost much but if you prepare it at home, it has some very workable options to make it in the best form while still at a low cost.
Nutritionally a Rich Combo of Pasta Recipe using Pesto
You know what ingredient makes pesto sauce a real treat with a blast of nutrition?
It is basically a pine nut. Pine nuts are scarcely found and are costly as well. But they deserve this protocol as they are not only costly in terms of coins rather they are richer in terms of health benefits. They surpass other nuts in taste and nourishment draxe.com/nutrition/pine-nuts/.
So this super moreish pasta recipe using pesto is very simple as we will use pesto sauce in the plain pasta with very limited ingredients. So here it is!
Ingredients’ Notes
- Pasta
The choice of pasta is always your own. Especially in this recipe all cuts suit equally like spaghetti, macaroni, fettuccine all go well with pesto sauce. If you like to eat it in long, twisty, thready form then go for noodles or spaghetti, otherwise any shape of macaroni is also quite good.
- Onion and Garlic
Garlic is essential in the cooking of pasta as per my experience. In savory themes, the aroma and mild taste of freshly crushed garlic cloves serves the best. This is something basic in it. So garlic and a bit of spring onions are going to give a heavenly flavor to the pasta.
- Olive oil
Olive oil is used to make the feel of the pasta recipe with pesto a bit juicy and smooth. We shall use a very low quantity of it as it is also included in the pesto sauce.
- Seasoning
Salt and pepper are the basic seasonings but we intend to add a bit of paprika in it as well. It will make its taste even more appealing.
- Pesto Sauce
The star ingredient of this recipe is pesto sauce. It is available in packaged form at all the stores. But I recommend my own special, very easy pesto sauce recipe /pesto-sauce-recipe-a-delectable-choice/ in which I have shared other options to make flavorful yet budget friendly pesto sauce. A must try!
- Cheese
The addition of parmesan cheese is common in this recipe but it will be used in the decoration and serving as we sprinkle very finely crushed cheese on the top of hot pasta right before serving. So cheddar cheese is also a good option to use.
What you need to Do!
- Step 1
Boil pasta according to the instructions and set aside. Don’t let it too cool because it is better to keep it hot to be mixed well with the sauce.
- Step 2
Here a large skillet is needed as pasta always needs a spacious pot to be made. In this skillet, pour the olive oil. Saute onions and garlic in it for a few seconds. Don’t let the onion and garlic change the color. We need a bit of a softened form of them.
- Step 3
At this stage add salt, black pepper and paprika in the skillet. As soon as the spices absorb the heat and get mixed with other ingredients, add pasta in it. Mix well.
- Step 4
Mixing pasta with seasoning should be a good one because mixing with pesto sauce is the next stage. That stage has come. Pour the main ingredient of the pasta recipe using pesto i.e. pesto sauce in the pasta. Mix it really well.
- Step 5
Dish it out and garnish it with fresh basil leaves which should be cut in halves. Then sprinkle cheese on the top. The cheese after meeting the hot surface of pasta will automatically flow down giving this dish a creamy fresh look.
Ingredients with Quantities
- I pack of pasta
- ½ cup spring (green) onion roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp pesto sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper crushed or powdered
- ½ tsp paprika powder
- 2 tbsp cheese finely crushed
- A few basil leaves for garnishing
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to instructions.
- In a skillet, saute onions and garlic in olive oil.
- Add seasoning like salt, black pepper and paprika.
- Now add boiled pasta into the skillet.
- Mix pasta with the seasoning.
- Add pesto sauce in pasta and mix well again.
- Take it out from the skillet and adjust it on some plate or dish.
- Garnish hot pasta with basil leaves and crushed cheese.
- Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I add cheese while cooking the pasta?
Cheese is mainly used in the garnishing of pasta recipe with pesto but if you want a more creamy taste you are free to use cheese within the pasta.
Which pesto sauce is better, packaged or homemade?
Both give equal taste and feel but I recommend homemade pesto sauce as it is economical and very easy to make.
How can I store the leftover pesto pasta?
There is no issue in refrigerating the leftover pasta. I can stay in the fridge for 3 days. When you want to reuse it, just keep it in the microwave and enjoy the superb taste again.
