Basil Pesto Farfalle with Roasted Pine Nuts ๐ฟ๐
Overview:
This Basil Pesto Farfalle with Roasted Pine Nuts is a culinary symphony of flavors, combining the fresh essence of basil, the rich nuttiness of Parmesan cheese, and the crunch of roasted pine nuts. ๐ฟ๐ง๐ฐ It’s a dish that embodies simplicity and elegance, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend feast. With just 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a 5-star delight that will leave you craving for more! โจ๐ด
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 829.9
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 14.9g
- Cholesterol: 58.7mg
- Sodium: 1024.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 62.5g
- Fiber: 3.3g
- Sugar: 2.5g
- Protein: 37.9g
Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of farfalle pasta
- 4 cups Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup pine nuts, divided
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Let’s dive into the recipe:
| Time | Instructions |
|---|---|
| PT5M | Boil the farfalle pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s perfectly al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. |
| PT5M | While the pasta is cooking, prepare the basil pesto. In a food processor, combine 2 cups of Parmesan cheese, basil leaves, garlic, a pinch of salt, and half of the pine nuts. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while pulsing until you have a smooth and creamy pesto sauce. Set aside. |
| PT2M | In a small pan, toast the remaining pine nuts in a splash of olive oil over medium heat until they turn golden brown and fragrant. This should take about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as pine nuts can burn quickly! Once toasted, set them aside. |
| PT3M | Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also prevent the pasta from sticking together. |
| PT2M | In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked farfalle pasta with the basil pesto sauce. Stir well to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the luscious pesto. |
| PT2M | Add in the remaining 2 cups of Parmesan cheese and the toasted pine nuts. Gently toss everything together until the cheese is melted and the pine nuts are evenly distributed throughout the pasta. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. |
| PT1M | Serve your Basil Pesto Farfalle warm for a comforting meal or chilled for a refreshing twist. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves for that final touch of elegance. Enjoy! ๐ฟ๐ง๐ฐ |
Serving Suggestions:
- This Basil Pesto Farfalle shines as a main dish, paired with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce. ๐ฅ๐ฟ
- For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. ๐ฅ๐ฟ
- It also makes for a delightful side dish, complementing grilled chicken or seafood beautifully. ๐๐
Tips & Tricks:
- Fresh Basil: For the best flavor, use fresh basil leaves straight from the garden or your local market. ๐ฟ
- Toasting Pine Nuts: Keep a close eye on the pine nuts as they toastโthey can go from golden to burnt in seconds! ๐
- Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together. Prepare it in advance and refrigerate for a quick and easy meal. ๐ฟโ๏ธ
- Customize Your Pesto: Get creative with your pesto by adding a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a handful of spinach for extra greens. ๐๐ฟ
Flavor Explosion:
With every forkful of this Basil Pesto Farfalle, you’ll experience a burst of vibrant flavorsโthe peppery freshness of basil, the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, and the crunchy delight of roasted pine nuts. ๐ฟ๐ง๐ฐ It’s a dish that celebrates the simple joys of good food, bringing comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Whether enjoyed hot or cold, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade pasta perfection! ๐โจ
