Penne with pesto sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that highlights the vibrant taste of basil pesto. Here’s a straightforward recipe for making this delicious pasta:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
For Homemade Pesto (optional):
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
-
Prepare the pesto sauce:
- For homemade pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- For store-bought pesto: Simply measure out 1 cup of pesto sauce.
-
Combine pasta and pesto: In a large bowl or back in the pot, toss the cooked penne with the pesto sauce. If the pesto is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
-
Add extras (optional): For added flavor and texture, you can toast pine nuts in a skillet with a little olive oil until golden brown. You can also stir in minced garlic for an extra kick.
-
Serve: Divide the pasta among serving plates. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired and sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and toasted pine nuts if using.
Enjoy your Penne with Pesto Sauce!
