Hey there, pasta lover! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner that never fails to impress – Linguine with Pesto Genovese. This classic Italian dish combines perfectly al dente linguine with that vibrant, aromatic basil pesto that’ll make your taste buds dance. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and honestly? It beats any restaurant version I’ve tried. The best part is you can whip this up in under 20 minutes – perfect for those nights when you’re starving but still want something amazing. FYI, if you’re looking for more quick pasta fixes, I’ve got 18 Easy Pasta Recipes – Quick, Flavorful & Perfect for Any Day waiting for you in the blog!
Why This Pesto Pasta Rocks
The Nutritional Powerhouse
Let’s talk about why this isn’t just delicious – it’s actually good for you too! Fresh basil packs serious antioxidants and vitamin K, while those pine nuts bring healthy fats and protein to the party. The garlic? Well, that’s basically nature’s antibiotic (and vampire repellent, but that’s just a bonus).
Parmesan cheese delivers calcium and protein, making this dish more satisfying than you’d think. And here’s something cool – the olive oil in pesto helps your body absorb all those fat-soluble vitamins. Science meets deliciousness, right?
Storage Tips That Actually Work
Ever made too much pesto and watched it turn brown? Yeah, me too :/ Here’s what I’ve learned: pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before storing. This creates a barrier against oxidation. Store your pesto in an airtight container, and it’ll stay vibrant green for up to a week in the fridge. Want to keep it longer? Freeze it in ice cube trays – instant portion control!
Mix It Up – Variations I Love
Who says you can’t play with tradition? Sometimes I swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds when I’m feeling adventurous (or when pine nuts cost more than gold). Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet twist, or throw in some spinach with the basil for extra nutrients. IMO, a handful of arugula gives it a peppery kick that’s absolutely addictive.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 400g linguine pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano (optional but recommended)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pasta water (reserved)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
- Toast those pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until they’re golden and fragrant. Watch them like a hawk – they go from perfect to burnt faster than you can say “pesto”!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. We’re talking ocean-salty here – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.
- Toss the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and cheeses into your food processor. Pulse a few times to break everything down.
- Stream in the olive oil while the processor runs until you get that perfect, creamy consistency. Not too smooth – you want some texture!
- Season with salt and pepper. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust.
- Cook the linguine according to package directions, but aim for al dente. Nobody likes mushy pasta.
- Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid gold will help your sauce cling to the pasta.
- Toss the hot linguine with the pesto, adding pasta water bit by bit until you reach that silky, glossy perfection.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper.
The Final Word
There you have it – authentic Linguine with Pesto Genovese that’ll transport you straight to the Italian Riviera! This recipe proves that simple ingredients, when treated right, create pure magic. The combination of fresh herbs, quality cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta never gets old. Trust me, once you master this classic, it’ll become your go-to impressive-yet-easy dinner. Looking for more pasta inspiration? Check out my other 18 Easy Pasta Recipes – Quick, Flavorful & Perfect for Any Day ideas in the blog – there’s something for every craving!
