Ingredients
– 1/3 cup olive oil pesto for creamy base
– 12 ounces spaghetti pasta for main component
– As desired Parmesan cheese for enhancing flavor when serving
– As desired fresh basil leaves for garnish
– To taste sea salt and black pepper for balancing and seasoning the meal
Instructions
1-Prepare the pesto from scratch using the specified 1/3 cup olive oil, or opt for store-bought pesto to save time.
2-In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the 12 ounces of spaghetti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
3-Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help with the sauce later.
4-Transfer the drained pasta to a large skillet and remove from heat.
5-Add the prepared pesto and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water; toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated, adding more of the reserved water as needed to achieve a lightly creamy sauce.
6-If desired, gently warm the mixture over low heat, being careful not to overheat and lose the fresh flavors.
7-Season with sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste for that perfect balance.
8-Serve the dish topped with freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a finishing touch.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
💧 Use reserved pasta water to thin pesto sauce and enhance creaminess.
🔥 Avoid high heat when warming pesto to keep basil vibrant.
🍋 Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, or pepper after mixing pasta and pesto.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving