Perfectly Balanced Pesto Pasta: A Fresh Summer Dinner

Looking for a simple yet delicious summer pasta dish? Our pesto pasta recipe is perfect for those who love the combination of fresh herbs and creamy texture that pesto provides. This meal not only satisfies your taste buds but also serves as a light yet satisfying dinner option. The cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or casual summer barbecues.

This recipe yields about 4 servings, which can be easily doubled if you're hosting a small gathering or want leftovers for lunch the next day. Let’s dive into how to prepare this refreshing pesto pasta.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of penne pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup pine nuts (optional, but adds a nutty flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
• 2 cups olive oil (use extra virgin olive oil if possible, for better taste and health benefits)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked chicken or shrimp (optional) - add these after draining the pasta

Instructions

1. Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt according to your preference, typically about 1 tablespoon for every 4 quarts of water.

2. While waiting for the water to boil, prepare your pesto sauce ingredients. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown if you are using them (about 3-5 minutes). This step is optional but enhances flavor significantly.

3. In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Start adding olive oil through the feed tube of your blender while running it until all ingredients are well incorporated. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Once the water has reached a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes for penne pasta).

5. Meanwhile, prepare any protein you plan on adding such as chicken or shrimp. You can lightly sauté them in some olive oil over medium heat with a bit of garlic and lemon juice to infuse flavor.

6. Drain the cooked pasta and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before transferring the pasta into your pesto sauce. Toss thoroughly, adding enough pasta water if necessary for desired consistency. Taste again; you may want more salt or more oil depending on how flavorful it is already.

7. Plate the finished pasta, optionally garnish with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese. Serve hot alongside a simple green salad for an even lighter meal.

Tips & Variations

To make this dish more versatile, consider adding different proteins like grilled chicken or shrimp as mentioned earlier. For a vegetarian option, skip the meat entirely and enjoy with only vegetables. You could also substitute some of the pasta for whole wheat varieties to add extra fiber and nutrients.

Experimentation is key when it comes to cooking! Try using other herbs besides basil such as mint, parsley or even arugula if you have leftover from another dish. Different types of pasta can also be used; spiral shapes pair exceptionally well with this sauce due to their larger surface area which better absorbs the pesto.

This pesto pasta isn't just a simple meal - it's an opportunity to explore culinary creativity while enjoying a delicious, nutritious dinner. Whether you're looking for something quick and easy or want to impress guests at your next summer barbecue, this recipe is sure to become one of your go-to dishes!