Pasta pesto
This pasta pesto recipe is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, showcasing the harmonious blend of flavours and textures that make Italian cuisine so beloved. This simple yet scrumptious recipe has the power to turn a regular weeknight into an Italian extravaganza as well as be the centre of attention on any summer BBQ table. Made with fresh and flavourful ingredients, this classic pasta pesto with chicken and chargrilled red bell pepper will transport you straight to the heart of Italy!
Ingredients
Pesto
|
White cheese cubes
|
100 g |
|---|---|
|
Blanched almonds
|
25 g |
|
Rapeseed oil
|
2½ tbsp |
|
Fresh basil
|
5 g |
|
Fresh mint leaves
|
10 g |
|
Water
|
2 tbsp |
|
White wine vinegar
|
1 tbsp |
|
Coarse salt
|
½ tsp |
|
Freshly ground pepper
|
|
|
Water
|
3 l |
|
Coarse salt
|
3 tsp |
|
Dried pasta, e.g., spaghetti
|
300 g |
|
Green courgettes in thin strips
|
2 |
Garnish
|
Fresh basil
|
|---|
Serve with
|
Grilled sweet, red bell pepper cut in half
|
2 |
|---|---|
|
Grilled meat, e.g., chicken fillet
|
500 g |
Instructions
Pesto
Recommended information
Serving suggestion
Tips
While pasta pesto can be made using pretty much any pasta shape you prefer, selecting one with ridges, grooves, or long thin strands will help the sauce cling better to it. For instance, the long slender strands of spaghetti are easily coated with the sauce, ensuring a burst of aromatic, fresh flavour in every bite.
Tips
To determine when your pasta is cooked to perfection, look for an ‘al dente’ texture. This means that it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. You can taste it 1-2 minutes before the suggested cooking time is up to make sure you do not overcook it.
Tips
Achieving a delicious and well-balanced pesto relies heavily on the texture of its ingredients as well as their freshness. The basil, mint, and almonds should be finely chopped to create a well-blended sauce that clings to the pasta seamlessly. If you are using a small rapid chopper or a food processor, you can easily achieve this consistency. Pulse/blitz the ingredients until they are finely chopped, but not pureed, to maintain some texture.
Questions about pasta pesto
Pasta with pesto is a true hero in the realm of tasty and time-saving cuisine. With our recipe and tips, you can effortlessly create an appetising meal that is bound to impress. Read on and find out more about it so you can impress your guests with a memorable culinary experience that showcases your cooking skills.
How to make pasta pesto?
How to make pasta pesto sauce?
How to use pesto from a jar with pasta?
When do you add pesto to pasta?
What to serve with pasta pesto?
Other recipes
Classic pasta pesto with chicken and chargrilled red bell pepper
Pasta pesto with grilled chicken and red bell pepper is a timeless combination of ingredients that is simply irresistible. The fresh, herbaceous taste of the pesto entwined with the pasta complements the succulent, tender chicken, and the sweet, smoky notes of the chargrilled red bell pepper beautifully. The grilling process caramelises the peppers, enhancing their sweetness and bringing out these distinct smoky flavours that complement the fresh, herbaceous taste of the pesto beautifully. Meanwhile, the grilled chicken helps balance the overall richness of the dish. When grilled to perfection, the chicken develops a slightly crispy exterior while the interior remains tender and juicy, which pairs exquisitely with the bold and zesty pesto.
Together, these elements create a harmonious blend of flavours and textures, resulting in classic pasta pesto that is both comforting and never gets old.
Dive into the exquisite realm of Italian recipes with our pesto pasta salad, shrimp and lobster pasta, and salmon pasta with lime.
Use a homemade basil pesto mixed with crumbled salad cheese
Using a homemade pesto sauce mixed with crumbled cheese adds an inimitable twist to the traditional pesto recipe. This rendition of the beloved sauce gives the classic pesto a chic makeover. Starting with the foundation of almonds and rapeseed oil, this sauce boasts a nutty depth while the oil lends a delicate buttery taste. The combination of fresh basil and mint creates a refreshing, aromatic breeze that sweeps through the sauce, while the white wine vinegar adds a subtle tang. But the crowning touch is the crumbled salad cheese, which brings a creamy, slightly tangy quality to the pesto, creating a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta wonderfully.
Enjoy this quick and easy pasta pesto with guests or on a weekday
One of the great benefits of this dish is that it is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and summer parties. The simple combination of pasta pesto with tender courgettes served with grilled chicken and bell peppers allows you to whip up a delicious meal in no time for a lot of people. The inviting aroma and vibrant colours of the dish are perfect for a warm, convivial atmosphere like bringing people together around the table.
Make it your own
There are countless ways to add your flair to this simple pasta pesto recipe. For the vegetable aficionados, replace the chicken with grilled eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms, each lending its own distinct, earthy aromas to the dish. Seafood lovers can also rejoice, as the pesto harmonises perfectly with the delicate, rich flavours of salmon or the succulent, tender notes of shrimp.
Additionally, you can experiment with the pesto itself, swapping out almonds for pine nuts, walnuts, or pistachios. But why stop there? If you want to get creative with the sauce, consider adding sundried tomatoes for a touch of tangy sweetness or olives for a salty, briny contrast. If you love a little heat, chilli flakes will ignite a fiery spark, taking your dish to new heights.
