Introduction
If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve probably encountered the classic pasta dish known as “Pasta al Pesto.” This delectable recipe combines whole wheat spaghetti with a vibrant and aromatic basil spinach pesto. In this article, we’ll show you how to create this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
Before you embark on this culinary adventure, make sure you have these ingredients on hand:
- Whole wheat spaghetti (10.5 ounces or 300 grams)
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes
- Fresh sweet basil leaves (2 cups or 60 grams, discard thick stems)
- Fresh baby spinach (1 cup or 30 grams)
- Toasted pine nuts (4 tablespoons)
- Minced or crushed garlic (2 cloves)
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt flakes
- Extra virgin olive oil (7 tablespoons or 100 ml)
- Freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (1/2 cup or 45 grams, parmesan cheese)
- 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delectable Pasta al Pesto:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering and preparing all the required ingredients. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
2. Cook the Whole Wheat Spaghetti
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook until it reaches an al dente texture, which typically takes about 11 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, drain it while reserving half a cup of the pasta water.
3. Make the Basil Spinach Pesto
While the spaghetti is cooking, let’s prepare the star of the dish – the basil spinach pesto.
- Combine the fresh basil leaves, baby spinach, toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and salt in a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped, pausing 2-3 times to scrape down the sides with a spatula.
- With the food processor running, gradually add the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto achieves a smooth consistency.
- Depending on your preference, you can blend it for a shorter duration for a slightly textured pesto or longer for a completely smooth texture.
- Transfer the pesto to a bowl and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season the pesto with freshly ground black pepper to taste. It’s normal for the pesto to be thick at this stage, but we will adjust the consistency with the starchy pasta water.
4. Combine the Pesto al Pasta
Add the drained whole wheat spaghetti to the bowl of pesto. Gently toss the pasta to allow the heat to melt the cheese and coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. As you do this, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, adding just enough to achieve an almost creamy texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy
To serve this delightful dish, arrange the Spaghetti Pasta al Pesto on a platter. Top it with toasted pine nuts, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and shavings of Parmesan cheese. This dish is best enjoyed while the pasta is still warm, so serve it promptly and relish every bite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pasta al Pesto, made with whole wheat spaghetti and basil spinach pesto, is a delectable Italian classic that you can effortlessly prepare at home. This dish combines the earthy flavor of whole wheat spaghetti with the fresh and vibrant notes of basil and spinach in the pesto. It’s a flavorful and nutritious meal that’s sure to please your taste buds. So, gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps to savor the culinary delight that is Pasta al Pesto. Buon appetito!
