Pesto Pasta Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients

Pasta (your choice, like penne or spaghetti): 400g

Fresh basil leaves: 100g

Pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute): 50g

Parmesan cheese (grated): 50g

Garlic cloves: 2-3

Extra virgin olive oil: 100ml

Salt: to taste

Freshly ground black pepper: to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.

2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce:

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Blend until smooth.

Slowly add in the olive oil while the processor is running to emulsify the sauce.

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Blend until smooth. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

3. Combine Pasta and Pesto: Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto sauce in a large bowl. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.

4. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil leaves if desired.

—

Side Dish: Garlic Bread

Ingredients

Baguette or Italian bread: 1 loaf

Unsalted butter (softened): 50g

Garlic cloves (minced): 3

Fresh parsley (chopped): 10g

Salt: to taste

Parmesan cheese (optional): for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and salt.

2. Slice the Bread: Cut the bread into slices (without cutting all the way through) so it remains a whole loaf.

3. Spread the Butter: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture between each slice of bread.

4. Bake: Wrap the bread in foil and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until warm and crispy. For a toasted finish, open the foil for the last 2 minutes.

5. Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired and serve warm with the Pesto Pasta.

Enjoy your meal!