Christmas Pesto Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate the holiday season with this vibrant and flavorful Christmas Pesto Pasta. Combining fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this dish brings a festive touch to your dinner table that’s both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Toss the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes to add bursts of freshness and color.
- Step 5: Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves before serving to enhance aroma and presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pine nuts before blending.
- Swap pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred or to save costs.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for a bright, tangy twist.
- Include cooked chicken or shrimp to make this a heartier main course.
Storage
Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture. For the best flavor and texture, consume soon after preparation.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use dried basil if fresh isn’t available?
Fresh basil is preferred for the best flavor and color, but you can substitute 1 tablespoon of dried basil in a pinch. Keep in mind the taste and appearance may be less vibrant.
How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?
To keep pesto bright green, avoid over-processing and store it covered with a thin layer of olive oil in an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly and use within a couple of days.
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Christmas Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Christmas Pesto Pasta is a festive and vibrant dish featuring fresh basil pesto tossed with perfectly cooked spaghetti or linguine and juicy cherry tomatoes. The rich, aromatic pesto combines basil, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, creating a flavorful sauce that coats each strand of pasta beautifully. Garnished with fresh basil leaves, this easy-to-make pasta is perfect for holiday gatherings or a delightful seasonal meal any time of year.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic cloves, and olive oil. Blend the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Pasta with Pesto: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large bowl and pour the prepared pesto over it. Toss well to evenly coat the pasta strands with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes to add a fresh, juicy contrast to the rich pesto.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the pesto pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant to enhance the pesto’s flavor.
- For a nuttier twist, substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust olive oil quantity to achieve your preferred pesto consistency.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for holiday buffets.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to loosen the pesto if it becomes too thick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Christmas pasta, pesto pasta, basil pesto, holiday pasta recipe, easy pesto recipe, Italian pasta dish
