Basil Bliss: Irresistible Light Pesto Penne 🌿✨

Certainly! 🌿 Here’s a delectable recipe for Light(er) Pesto that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also keeps your calorie count in check, clocking in at just 368.4 calories per serving! 😋 This culinary delight is a breeze to whip up, with a total time of just 25 minutes, including a mere 15 minutes of cooking time. So, let’s dive into the kitchen and create some magic!

Light(er) Pesto

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups penne pasta

Instructions:

1. Preparation:

   • Before we begin, let’s gather our ingredients and equipment. Ensure your food processor is ready to go, and your pasta pot is filled with water, waiting to be brought to a boil.

2. Process Pesto:

   • In the bowl of your food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and garlic cloves. 🌰
   • Pulse the ingredients until finely minced, creating a vibrant green pesto bursting with flavor and aroma.

3. Combine and Blend:

   • Transfer the minced mixture into a large bowl, where the magic will continue to unfold. ✨
   • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and butter, blending everything together until you achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.

4. Prepare Pasta:

   • Now, it’s time to cook our pasta! Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add the penne pasta, cooking it according to the package directions. 🍝
   • Remember to omit any additional salt and fat from the cooking process, as our flavorful pesto will take care of seasoning the dish.

5. Reserve Cooking Liquid:

   • Before draining the pasta, ensure to reserve about 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid. This starchy elixir will work wonders in binding our pesto sauce to the pasta, creating a luscious coating of flavor. 🌊

6. Combine and Toss:

   • Once the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander set over a bowl, catching that precious cooking liquid. 🕳️
   • Transfer the drained pasta into the bowl of pesto, along with the reserved cooking liquid, gently tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in that irresistible green goodness.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

   • With a flourish, divide the light(er) pesto-coated penne among serving plates or bowls, and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves for a touch of elegance. 🍽️
   • Now, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor! Gather your loved ones around the table, and relish in each forkful of this guilt-free indulgence. 🥂

8. Bon Appétit!

   • Sit back, relax, and bask in the satisfaction of creating a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s as delightful to the palate as it is to the waistline. 🌟

So there you have it, a recipe for Light(er) Pesto that’s sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy every bite, and here’s to happy, healthy cooking! 🌿✨