Don’t go for jarred pesto when the real thing is SO much better

When I say easy (real) pesto pasta, I mean using pine nuts and all done in less than 10mins.

  • SERVES: 2 generously
  • PREP TIME: 5 mins
  • COOK TIME:  10 mins if using dried pasta
  • DIFFICULTY: easy

Pesto and pinenuts

I hate pesto.

And I hate pesto pasta even more.

Then I discovered why I hated it so much…

I was given pesto from a jar.

And what they don’t shout about is the fact they use cashews instead of pinenuts!

Plus, you can never really get a truly delicious pesto without fresh basil.

So, if you also thought you hated pesto.

Then perhaps give this recipe a whirl and see if it changes your mind.

It did for me.

And as far as a midweek meal goes.

Or a meat-free Monda.

Then this is an ace little dish to have up your sleeve.

Easy (real) pesto pasta recipe

This is an Angela Harnett recipe.

It’s super simple, fast and is a little taste sensation.

Ingredients
150g pine nuts
150g parmesan
1 large bunch of basil, leaves picked
1 garlic clove
250ml olive oil

Method

  1. Bring to the boil a pan of salted water for the pasta (follow the packet’s directions).
  2. Heat a frying pan over a medium heat.
  3. Add the pine nuts and toast them for a few minutes until lightly browned.
  4. Place the parmesan in a food processor and add the basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil.
  5. Season to taste with freshly milled salt and pepper.
  6. Blend for a few seconds to bring the pesto together until it is smooth.
  7. Check the seasoning before stirring into pasta.
easy (real) pesto pasta