Ingredients

  • ½ cup walnuts or pine nuts
  • Big bunch basil, about 10 stems
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled, or to taste
  • Olive oil as needed
  • Salt and pepper
  • Grated Parmesan to taste
  • 1 pound pasta, any shape
  • Nutritional Information
    • Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

      583 calories; 18 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 6 grams monounsaturated fat; 8 grams polyunsaturated fat; 87 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 3 grams sugars; 17 grams protein; 8 milligrams sodium

    • Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.

4 to 6 servings.

Preparation

  1. Toast nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, shaking frequently, until fragrant, browned and not burned. Pulse them in a food processor until chopped but not at all powdery.
  2. Wash the basil; dry it in a salad spinner. Put it in the food processor with the garlic and as much oil as you need to allow the machine to do its work. Process, adding salt, pepper and oil as needed. When the pesto is smooth and delicious, stir in or pulse in the cheese.
  3. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until it’s tender but not mushy. Dress with the pesto, thinning with a little of the cooking water if necessary. Serve immediately.

30 minutes

Dining and Cooking