Craving a burst of flavor that’s as vibrant as your personality? Look no further than the irresistible Queer Eye Pesto Pasta! This delightful dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the fresh tastes of Italy right to your kitchen in just 25 minutes. With its colorful ingredients and simple preparation, you’ll impress your friends and family with this easy yet gourmet pasta. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure happiness—your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water should taste like sea water to properly season the pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the pesto by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and become fragrant, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, peeled garlic cloves, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Pulse the ingredients until they are roughly chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant green sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the fusilli pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and immediately return it to the hot pot. Add the freshly made pesto and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help it coat the pasta.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your vibrant, fresh Queer Eye Pesto Pasta!
Tips
- Perfectly Salted Water: When boiling your pasta, make sure the water is well-salted. It should taste like the sea! This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the pasta itself.
- Toast Your Nuts: Don’t skip toasting the pine nuts! This step adds a rich, nutty flavor to your pesto. Keep an eye on them as they can burn quickly—golden brown is the goal!
- Blend for Texture: When making the pesto, pulse the ingredients in the food processor until they’re roughly chopped before adding the olive oil. This helps maintain a nice texture in your sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If your pesto seems too thick after tossing it with the pasta, don’t hesitate to add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. This will help the sauce cling beautifully to the fusilli.
- Garnish for Flair: For an extra pop of flavor and color, garnish your plated pasta with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s all about that presentation!
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish hot for the best experience! The flavors are freshest right after preparation, making it the perfect dish for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 15mg
