TIP: If you have some leftover sauce, you can save your pesto by freezing it in cubes in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop them out and save in a ziplock bag for long term storage. When it's time to use, zap them in the microwave or toss them in a saute pan to defrost.
Printable Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz. spaghetti, or your favorite pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed tightly
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Combine basil, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and pulse until well blended. (If you are using walnuts instead of pine nuts, pulse them in the food processor before adding the other ingredients.)
While the food processor is on, slowly add the extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Scrape down the sides with a spatula and add the grated cheese. Pulse again until well blended. Add salt and pepper to taste.
If pesto is thicker than you prefer, you can add a couple tablespoons of boiling water from the pasta water to thin it out. Pulse a couple more times until it reaches your desired consistency.
Toss with pasta, garnish with shaved Parmesan or Romano cheese and enjoy!
Source: Adapted from Simply Recipes
I save my spaghetti sauce and chicken broth (both home made, of course) in 1/2 cup measurements so I can plan without needing to defrost.
ReplyDeleteThis looks delicious, though, I'll have to give pesto a try. I'd love to see how your tomato sauce compares to mine (mine is up on my blog from Nov 28.).
I just bought a big 'ol bag of basil for my chicken, and was thinking I needed to make a pesto sauce, so this is perfect!
ReplyDeleteMmmm...looks good! Since I am allergic to nuts, I am going to try this recipe without them. Any suggestions of what to substitue instead? p.s. Love the set up of your blog, and the name of it!
ReplyDeleteHey Melissa! You could try using sunflower seeds in place of pine nuts (if you're not allergic to them, of course!). I'd lightly toast them before to give them that "nutty" flavor.
ReplyDeleteI've also read about substituting soy beans or olives for nuts. It's a completely different flavor but a great alternative!
Let me know what you try and how it turns out for you!
tospinayarn: My mom is Italian and makes amazing tomato sauce and she has has taught me how to make it just like she has been doing it for years and years. Her sauce recipe and meatball recipe will be featured soon. Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeletewow, i love noodles and always try to new way to make it. i was tried last night seriously it awesome.
ReplyDelete