Ingredients
- Spaghetti, penne, or fusilli
- 1 cup walnuts (raw or lightly toasted)
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, blend walnuts, basil, garlic, and parmesan until finely chopped. Gradually add olive oil while processing to a smooth yet chunky consistency. Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Toss It All Together: In a mixing bowl, combine drained pasta and walnut pesto. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired creaminess.
- Serve and Enjoy: Portion the pasta into bowls, sprinkle with extra parmesan and basil, and serve immediately.
Notes
Experiment with different pasta types or ingredients based on your preference. For a nut-free version, sunflower seeds work well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pasta Cooking and Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian