Cold Pasta with Garlic-Free Pesto
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Casarecce Pasta | 320g |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 250g |
| Mozzarella | 200g |
| Black Olives | 50g |
| Coarse Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Basil | 35g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 90g |
| Pine Nuts | 20g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 10g |
| Pecorino Cheese | 10g |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the pasta. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. This will be used to cook the casarecce pasta.
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While the water heats, prepare the garlic-free pesto. Start by washing and drying the fresh basil leaves thoroughly. Transfer the basil to a blender or food processor. Add the pine nuts, grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and Pecorino cheese. Season with a pinch of coarse salt. Blend everything together until smooth, forming a fluid and homogeneous pesto sauce.
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Once the pesto is ready, strain it through a sieve to allow excess liquid to drain, ensuring a thicker consistency for the sauce.
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Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into wedges. Slice the black olives into thin rounds.
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Once the water has come to a boil, add the casarecce pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
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Drizzle the pasta with extra virgin olive oil and stir to coat. Allow the pasta to cool down completely.
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Once the pasta has cooled, toss it with the garlic-free pesto, making sure it’s evenly coated. Add in the sliced olives and the mozzarella, cut into small pieces.
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Season with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and give the dish one final gentle toss to combine all the ingredients.
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Serve the cold pesto pasta in individual bowls, enjoying a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for warm days or a picnic!
Tips:
- You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and color.
- If you prefer a smoother pesto, feel free to add more olive oil until you reach the desired consistency.
Enjoy this vibrant, herbaceous, and creamy cold pasta with pesto—a delicious twist on a classic summer dish, without the garlic but still bursting with flavor!
