Homestyle Basil Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts
A vibrant Italian pasta dish made with fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan, capturing the essence of authentic Genovese pesto. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 25 minutes blends ounces Spaghetti, Fresh basil, Pine nuts into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Spaghetti
- 2 cups Fresh basil
- 1/4 cup Pine nuts
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add 12 ounces spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: In a food processor, pulse 2 cups packed fresh basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until finely chopped.
- Step 3: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil through the feed tube until emulsified, then add 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon lemon juice; process until smooth.
- Step 4: Toss the drained 12 ounces spaghetti with 3/4 cup pesto sauce and 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the strands evenly, adding more pasta water if needed to achieve a glossy texture.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Homestyle Basil Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Homestyle Basil Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Homestyle Basil Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Homestyle Basil Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Homestyle Basil Pesto Pasta with Pine Nuts?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
