Pesto pasta is a classic of Italian cuisine that never goes out of style. Preparing a easy homemade pesto pasta recipe it is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful dish. With just a few fresh ingredients like basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese, you can create a creamy and aromatic sauce that blends perfectly with your favorite pasta. In less than 20 minutes, you will have a healthy and comforting meal ready that combines Mediterranean tradition and health benefits.
(Studies revealed that the regular consumption of fresh herbs such as basil can provide antioxidant compounds beneficial for the body: NCBI)
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Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta Recipe
Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g of pasta spaghetti, penne or fusilli
- 50 g of fresh basil leaves
- 40 g of pine nuts or nuts as an alternative
- 50 g of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 diente of garlic
- 100 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
- cook the pasta in plenty of salted water following the package instructions.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pesto: place the basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil in a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a creamy sauce.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water.
- Mix the hot pasta with the pesto, adding a little cooking water if necessary to bind the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and grated cheese.
Vidéo
Notes
- You can substitute pine nuts with almonds or walnuts for a more economical version.
- For a vegan version, substitute parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- It is recommended to consume the pasta immediately to better enjoy the flavor of the fresh pesto.
Nutrition
Homemade Pesto Pasta and Its Health Benefits
The easy homemade pesto pasta recipe not only is it a delicious dish, but it also provides multiple health benefits thanks to the quality of its ingredients. Fresh basil is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and essential oils that help fight oxidative damage and have anti-inflammatory properties, which can contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases (NCBI).
Extra virgin olive oil, the base of pesto sauce, is considered one of the healthiest fats in the Mediterranean diet. Its monounsaturated fatty acids and phenolic compounds have been shown to improve cardiovascular health, reduce LDL cholesterol, and support brain function (Harvard).
Pine nuts, for their part, are a source of plant-based proteins, magnesium, and iron, nutrients that support energy metabolism and muscle health. In addition, their healthy fats contribute to satiety, which can help control appetite.
Finally, parmesan cheese is a food rich in calcium and high-quality proteins, essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles. Being an aged cheese, it also provides probiotics that support intestinal health (NIH).
Is homemade pesto pasta healthy?
Yes, as long as it is consumed in moderation. Its ingredients provide antioxidants, healthy fats, and quality proteins.
Can pesto pasta be made without pine nuts?
Yes, they can be replaced with walnuts or almonds, maintaining a good flavor and a similar nutritional profile.
How many calories does homemade pesto pasta have?
Approximately 1,037 kcal per serving (with the classic ingredients), although it may vary depending on the pasta and the amount of oil used.
This recipe for Homemade pesto pasta is inspired by Italian tradition and adapted so that anyone can prepare it at home quickly and easily. Perfect for those looking for a tasty, healthy dish full of benefits.
Conclusion
The easy homemade pesto pasta recipe is much more than a traditional Italian dish: it is a perfect example of how, with fresh and simple ingredients, we can create a meal full of flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Its quick preparation makes it an excellent choice both for a weekday lunch and for a special dinner with company, always maintaining a balance between practicality and culinary quality.
This dish combines the softness and texture of pasta with the intensity of a creamy sauce made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil—ingredients that are an essential part of the Mediterranean diet. It is not only delicious but also provides antioxidants, healthy fats, and key nutrients for a balanced diet. The result is a comforting, light, and nutritious meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Moreover, its versatility makes it easy to adapt to different tastes and needs: replacing pine nuts with walnuts or almonds, choosing whole wheat pasta, or even gluten-free versions. This way, it becomes an inclusive and accessible recipe for many types of diets.
Ultimately, making homemade pesto pasta is a way to bring Italian tradition to your table, taking care of both taste and health. A simple, practical, and lively recipe that deserves a place in any food lover’s cookbook.
Sources and credits:
- NCBI – Properties of basil
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health – Olive oil
- NIH – Benefits of cheese
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