Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary gourmet experience! The Alontis Pecan Pesto Pasta is not just another recipe—it's a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds, combining the rich, nutty essence of pecans with the classic Italian charm of fresh basil and Parmesan. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a dish so delectable, it'll make your dinner guests wonder if a professional chef secretly took over your kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the 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.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, pecans, peeled garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are coarsely chopped, then slowly stream in the olive oil while the processor is running until a smooth, consistent sauce forms.
- Season the pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the pot. Add the freshly made pecan pesto, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to help create a silky, smooth consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few whole pecans if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly toasted pecans for an enhanced nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Always reserve pasta water—it's liquid gold for creating a silky, perfectly coated sauce.
- For the best texture, pulse your pesto ingredients instead of blending continuously to maintain some texture.
- Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a more robust and authentic pesto flavor.
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente to ensure the perfect bite and sauce absorption.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes, but short pasta like penne or rotini work best for catching the pesto.
- For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg
