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Rachna cooks

ItalianMain course

Pasta with Pesto

by Rachna June 26, 2013
written by Rachna June 26, 2013

Pasta is a favorite in my home. And good tasting pasta is surprisingly easy and fast to cook. No slogging for hours. The key lies in good ingredients. Though, we regularly like the tomato sauce base, once in a while we do try the pesto base. Traditionally, pesto sauce uses pine nuts but you can make do with walnuts especially in India where you do not get pine nuts easily. We have a bounty full of basil leaves in the garden this year. So I am using it in everything from pani puri water to coconut chutney to pesto, of course :).

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Here is my simple recipe:

Ingredients:

500 gm. Any good pasta

1 cup packed basil leaves

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

20 large walnuts

3 cloves garlic (I love more garlic)

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Salt to taste

2 large tomatoes diced

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Method: Combine basil, garlic, grated cheese, walnut, pepper and salt in a blender to prepare your pesto. Blend in the extra virgin olive oil by running the blender and pouring the oil in a stream. Don’t make a very fine paste, just blend it together nicely.  You can store any leftover pesto in the fridge.

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Boil your pasta in hot water for 10-12 minutes as per pack instructions. Remember to salt your water and drain your pasta when al dente (still has a bite). It continues to cook when off the stove. Now throw together the cooked pasta with pesto and tomatoes and mix well. Serve immediately. It is simple, tasty and nutritious. Enjoy!

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22 comments

Lazy Pineapple June 26, 2013 - 2:10 pm

I love Pesto. I have a different version of this same recipe. It has become a big hit with everyone. It looks delicious 🙂

Reply
Rachna June 26, 2013 - 10:02 pm

Thank you :). Do share your version too.

Reply
Lazy Pineapple June 26, 2013 - 2:10 pm

I love Pesto. I have a different version of this same recipe. It has become a big hit with everyone. It looks delicious 🙂

Reply
Rachna June 26, 2013 - 10:02 pm

Thank you :). Do share your version too.

Reply
ghatasinghal June 26, 2013 - 2:34 pm

That’s a fairly easy recipe Rachna. Thanks for this. I think I ll try this soon, though I love basil but don’t know where to get it (dont have a garden!)

Reply
Rachna June 26, 2013 - 10:03 pm

It is extremely easy to make, Ghata. And you can buy basil easily these days in supermarkets.

Reply
ghatasinghal June 26, 2013 - 2:34 pm

That’s a fairly easy recipe Rachna. Thanks for this. I think I ll try this soon, though I love basil but don’t know where to get it (dont have a garden!)

Reply
Rachna June 26, 2013 - 10:03 pm

It is extremely easy to make, Ghata. And you can buy basil easily these days in supermarkets.

Reply
Dagny June 26, 2013 - 6:21 pm

This sounds simple enough. Tryable… 🙂

Reply
Rachna June 26, 2013 - 10:04 pm

Totally doable Dagny :).

Reply
Dagny June 26, 2013 - 6:21 pm

This sounds simple enough. Tryable… 🙂

Reply
Rachna June 26, 2013 - 10:04 pm

Totally doable Dagny :).

Reply
Roshni June 26, 2013 - 10:10 pm

This is so very easy here because all those ingredient (including pine nuts) are easily available. I like the idea of putting different nuts though..walnuts one day, almonds another etc!

Reply
Rachna June 27, 2013 - 9:19 am

Yep, that is true, Roshni! You get all ingredients of all cuisines easily in the US. In supermarkets in India too, you get a lot of ingredients but some are difficult to source. Walnuts are great in place of pine nuts and retain the authenticity of pesto flavor. Haven’t tried other nuts though :).

Reply
Roshni June 26, 2013 - 10:10 pm

This is so very easy here because all those ingredient (including pine nuts) are easily available. I like the idea of putting different nuts though..walnuts one day, almonds another etc!

Reply
Rachna June 27, 2013 - 9:19 am

Yep, that is true, Roshni! You get all ingredients of all cuisines easily in the US. In supermarkets in India too, you get a lot of ingredients but some are difficult to source. Walnuts are great in place of pine nuts and retain the authenticity of pesto flavor. Haven’t tried other nuts though :).

Reply
My Say June 27, 2013 - 12:39 pm

this is something I need to try !! bookmarking the recipe .. well let you know this weekend what was my experience like !!

Reply
Rachna June 27, 2013 - 1:05 pm

Will look forward to your reply :).

Reply
My Say June 27, 2013 - 12:39 pm

this is something I need to try !! bookmarking the recipe .. well let you know this weekend what was my experience like !!

Reply
Rachna June 27, 2013 - 1:05 pm

Will look forward to your reply :).

Reply
Pasta in avocado sauce with an Indian twist | Rachna cooks August 18, 2015 - 10:15 pm

[…] Their favorite is pasta in marinara sauce with varying combinations of protein and vegetables. Pasta in pesto is also made occasionally. But recently I thought of innovating a recipe. Since my avocado tree has […]

Reply
Pasta in avocado sauce with an Indian twist | Rachna cooks August 18, 2015 - 10:15 pm

[…] Their favorite is pasta in marinara sauce with varying combinations of protein and vegetables. Pasta in pesto is also made occasionally. But recently I thought of innovating a recipe. Since my avocado tree has […]

Reply

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About me

Rachna

Rachna

Hi, I am a mom to two bratty boys and a Labrador. I work as an Editor and Content Manager with over 10 years experience in multiple writing gigs. I am a web columnist and have been published in many newspapers, portals and magazines. An MBA in Marketing from NMIMS, I enjoyed my stint in brand management before turning to writing. I have an award-winning Parenting blog and a popular Food blog. I enjoy working out, reading, cooking, eating, travelling and running around in circles after my Lab. Fresh brewed coffee and a homecooked meal are my nirvana. For any writing assignments or collaborations do reach out at rachna.parmar@gmail.com or go through the detailed Work with me page on the blog! Nice to have you here.

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