True Ligurian Pesto with Spaghetti
- Level: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
-
- Nutritional Analysis
- Per Serving
- Serving Size
- 1 of 4 servings
- Calories
- 819
- Total Fat
- 41
- Saturated Fat
- 8
- Carbohydrates
- 89
- Dietary Fiber
- 5
- Sugar
- 4
- Protein
- 25
- Cholesterol
- 20
- Sodium
- 475
- Total: 40 min
- Active: 30 min
Ingredients
Sea salt
4 cups packed fresh basil tops (2 bunches)
1/2 cup EVOO
1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 large cloves garlic, pasted or grated
Pepper
1 pound spaghetti
Directions
- Bring a pot of water to boil, season it liberally with sea salt. Fill a large bowl with ice water.
- Add the basil to the boiling water for 30 seconds or so and transfer to the ice bath. Drain and dry the basil in a salad spinner or on clean kitchen towels.
- Place the EVOO in the food processor and add the basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino-Romano, pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic and some salt and pepper. Pulse process into a fine sauce. Store in an airtight container. Freeze or refrigerate to store for a make-ahead meal. Bring to room temperature to prepare.
- To serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt the water and cook the pasta to al dente. Reserve a cup of the salty cooking water just before draining the pasta.
- Place the pesto in serving bowl. Add the starchy water and stir to combine, then add the pasta and toss 1 to 2 minutes to coat evenly. Adjust the seasoning and serve.