Basil pesto whole-wheat angel hair pasta
Basil pesto whole-wheat angel hair pasta features a vibrant pesto made from fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, paired with tender whole-wheat pasta. This easy dish is perfect for quick dinners or special occasions.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
12 leafs basil2 tbsp pine nuts
1 garlic clove
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
16 oz whole-wheat pasta
Basil pesto whole-wheat angel hair pasta is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the rich flavors of fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese with the robust texture of whole-wheat pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its vibrant green pesto sauce and al dente pasta, it's sure to become a favorite in your household.
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic clove.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the pesto is well blended and smooth.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture and pulse a few more times until everything is combined.
- Season the pesto with a dash of salt and a dash of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil.
- Add the whole-wheat angel hair pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-6 minutes.
- Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Return the hot pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
- Add the prepared pesto to the pasta and toss to combine. If the pasta seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Basil pesto whole-wheat angel hair pasta is not only delicious but also nutritious, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. By following these tips and using fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Enjoy this easy-to-make, vibrant pasta dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Basil pesto whole-wheat angel hair pasta FAQ:
Whole-wheat angel hair pasta typically cooks in about 4-6 minutes. Check the package instructions for specific timing, as it can vary slightly.
Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For cooked whole-wheat angel hair pasta, keep it in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can substitute other nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or cashews for pine nuts in the pesto. This may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still be delicious.
If you need a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan substitute in the pesto. For a different flavor, try Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
Pasta is considered al dente when it is cooked but still firm to the bite. You can check by tasting a strand of pasta a minute or two before the package’s recommended cooking time.
Tips:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. This enhances their flavor and adds a nutty depth to the pesto.
- Use a food processor to combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil for a smooth and well-blended pesto sauce.
- Be sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can be added to the pasta and pesto sauce to help them come together and coat the pasta evenly.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto sauce just before mixing it with the pasta.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of heavy cream to the pesto sauce.
- Serve the dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top and a side of garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 250kcal
Protein 11g
Carbohydrates 36g
Fiber 4.63g
Sugar 1.02g
Fat 36g
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