Spaghetti pesto
Instructions
Pesto
Sauce and pasta
To serve
FAQ: Questions about spaghetti pesto
Make a classic Italian spaghetti pesto. Below, you will find answers to common questions that may come up as you make this aromatic and tasty spaghetti dish.
Ingredients
Pesto
|
Fresh basil
|
2 cups |
|---|---|
|
Olive oil (about 32,5 g)
|
¼ cup |
|
Parmesan cheese, grated (about 60 g)
|
½ cup |
|
Garlic clove
|
1 |
|
Pine nuts (about 35 g)
|
¼ cup |
|
Salt and black pepper
|
1 tsp |
Sauce and pasta
|
Arla® LactoFREE Whipping and cooking cream (about 250 ml)
|
1 cup |
|---|---|
|
Spaghetti, cooked
|
800 g |
To serve
|
Parmesan cheese (about 155 g)
|
1 cup |
|---|---|
|
Roasted pine nuts
|
Other recipes
Tips: Get the best spaghetti pesto
Use our expert tips to make the perfect spaghetti pesto. It only takes a few tips to help you get the utmost of the recipe.
Blanch the basil
Blanch the basil leaves for a few seconds in boiling water and then plunge them into ice water. This helps retain their bright green colour and reduces any bitterness, enhancing the pesto's flavour and appearance. Pat the leaves dry before blending them into the pesto.
Mastering the pesto texture
Achieving the perfect pesto texture involves balancing smoothness with a slight graininess. The ideal pesto should be creamy with small bits of nuts and cheese for texture. If it is too thick, add a small amount of pasta water or more olive oil to reach your preferred consistency. Some prefer a smoother sauce, while others enjoy a more rustic, chunky pesto.
Store pesto properly
To keep pesto fresh, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to help the pesto keep its bright green colour. If you need to store it for longer, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to freezer bags or containers, and they will stay good for around 3 months. When you are ready to use the pesto, thaw it in the fridge or drop the cubes straight into your warm dish, where they will quickly melt and add flavour.
Enjoy our easy spaghetti pesto recipe
Our spaghetti pesto recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Combining the fresh flavours of homemade basil pesto with the creamy richness of cooking cream, this dish transforms simple spaghetti into a gourmet experience. Whether you are cooking for a simple weeknight dinner or a leisurely lunch, this easy recipe is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and bold flavours.
Rich homemade pesto and creamy cooking cream
Making a homemade basil pesto gives you the best and freshest flavours. The unbeatable charm of pesto stems from fresh, aromatic basil leaves, which gives it its signature taste. Choose the best extra virgin olive oil for its fruity and peppery notes that blend well with the garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
Garlic introduces a pungent kick, while Parmesan adds a salty and nutty depth. Pine nuts lend a rich, buttery texture. Mixing the pesto with rich cooking cream creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti. The cream adds a luxurious texture and balances the bold flavours of the pesto, making the dish exceptionally smooth and creamy.
Topped with Parmesan cheese and roasted pine nuts
Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of savoury delight. Aged Parmesan adds a salty and nutty taste that is delicious with the creamy pesto sauce. Sprinkle it generously to ensure every bite has a touch of its bold flavour. Roasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch with rich, buttery notes. Together with the grated cheese, these toppings make the ideal finish for this Italian classic.
Perfect for a quick lunch or busy weeknights
Our spaghetti pesto is the ultimate solution for a quick lunch or an effortless weeknight dinner. If you are hungry and looking for a speedy meal, this recipe delivers just that. Treat yourself to a home-cooked meal that combines the vibrant flavours of a fresh basil pesto and cream sauce, the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the rich taste of Parmesan cheese.
Serve it to family and friends for a swift yet impressive dinner with different sides. Crusty bread or garlic bread is delicious next to any type of pasta, and a fresh salad with crisp vegetables makes for a light and refreshing addition.
Do you need inspiration for other simple pasta dishes? Then try our ravioli in tomato sauce, creamy chicken fettuccine, or cheesy butter chicken mac and cheese.
Add your own touch
Experiment with other types of pasta than spaghetti. Make a pesto pasta with your favourite pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or ziti. Penne and ziti are known for their hollow centres, which capture the sauce well, and fusilli's spirals hold the pesto for a tasty bite.
For a bright flavour, add lemon zest or lemon juice. Lemon brightens the flavour, whether you add the juice or zest to the pesto or sprinkle zest over the finished dish with the pine nuts and Parmesan. If lemon is not your thing, try a spicy twist with thin slices of fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes.
Adding vegetables can also enrich the dish. Try mixing in halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy contrast against the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like red peppers, courgettes, or aubergines can also be included to add smoky depth, more colour, and different textures.
The fresh basil pesto is delicious, but you can also try a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and coriander. This combination will add a nice herbaceous note, elevating the overall flavour profile of the pasta.
