Pasta Recipe with Pesto Sauce

Simple and practical recipes for busy days are exactly what comes in handy today. A recipe for Pasta with Pesto sauce… Sounds good?

I admit that the recipe is not from today, but it is perfect for days of rush, stress, and little time. Days like today…

I confess that I really wanted to show you this recipe. Not because of the recipe itself, but because today I feel a bit nostalgic and this recipe was the first one I shot with my new camera! Yes, I am one of those who gets ecstatic about a new camera! Come on, it’s my baby.

And what do you think of the pictures? Not bad, huh?!

I’ve always been a fan of quick recipes for everyday life. And even though I’m one of those who tries to make everything from scratch, I think that once in a while it doesn’t hurt to have easier options at home.

It’s true that store-bought pesto is not the healthiest in the world, but is it so bad to use it once in a while?

Everyone has their own opinion and I don’t interfere with that. But in my opinion, if this is not the basis of our food, then I don’t see any problem!

I love pesto and it feels really good to come home and have dinner ready in 5 or 10 minutes. It’s wonderful!

Not to mention that it makes me feel much more relaxed, I don’t have to stress and I can just land on the couch afterward without having to worry about washing a thousand and one pots and pans! ahaha

And on top of that, I get a super tasty and comforting meal in a very short time!

Want more pasta recipes? Check this 4-Hands Carbonara Recipe. 

 

 

Let’s check the step-by-step?

 

PASTA RECIPE WITH PESTO SAUCE (APPROX. 2 SERVINGS):

INGREDIENTS:

• 200 gr whole wheat spaghetti
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• A drizzle of olive oil
• 4 to 6 spoons of pesto (bought or fresh – when I need a quick lunch, I use the one I bought)
• 1 medium Roma tomato or a handful of cherry tomatoes (this time I used 1 Roma tomato)
• Parmesan cheese to taste
• Dried fruits like walnuts, almonds, or cashew nuts (optional)

PREPARATION METHOD:

1. Start by filling a pot with a good amount of water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the pasta, along with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil. Let it cook for about 7 to 8 minutes until it is al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta water and set aside.
4. Slice the Roma tomatoes or the cherry tomatoes in halves.
5. In a frying pan, drizzle olive oil and add the tomatoes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes over high heat.
6. Add the pasta and stir.
7. Add the pesto sauce and mix well with the pasta and tomatoes.
8. If you choose nuts, break them into halves or quarters and spread them over the pasta.
9. Finally, grate a good portion of parmesan cheese and mix well.
10. Serve your pasta with pesto sauce with some more Parmesan cheese on top.

Suggestion: make your own pesto if you want (with basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic), so you can season it to your liking.

I used green pesto, but you can also use red pesto, which is great! It’s usually made with red peppers and tastes amazing.

Use the type of pasta you like best and it doesn’t have to be whole wheat, it’s up to you. 🙂

You can also use some seeds to give it a crunchier texture.

If you want a more elaborate recipe, you can also enhance this pasta with pesto sauce. Sauté some garlic cloves in olive oil before you put the ingredients in the pan.

Add a little basil on top of the pasta. And there you go, a meal with even more flavor!