Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of silky angel hair pasta, coated with a rich, creamy walnut basil pesto that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet vegetarian masterpiece that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz angel hair pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of angel hair pasta, 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup of walnuts, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup of olive oil, 2 cloves of garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil over high heat. This will be used to cook the angel hair pasta.
- While the water is heating, prepare the walnut basil pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves. Pulse the mixture a few times until everything is coarsely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Continue to process until the pesto reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
- Once the water is boiling, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-4 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, taste the pesto and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Adjust the flavors as needed.
- When the pasta is done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the walnut basil pesto to the pasta, and toss to combine. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is well coated with the pesto, remove it from the heat and serve immediately. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired.
- Enjoy your Vegetarian Angel Hair Pasta with Walnut Basil Pesto, a delightful Italian dish perfect for any occasion!
Tips
- Use freshly picked basil for the most intense flavor - the difference is remarkable!
- Toast your walnuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty richness.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency.
- Don't overcook angel hair pasta - it goes from perfect to mushy in seconds.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your pesto.
- Use high-quality olive oil and Parmesan cheese for the most authentic taste.
- If you're not serving immediately, slightly undercook the pasta, as it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot pesto.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 610kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
