For the Pesto Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (spaghetti or penne works great)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
- Pulse the ingredients until they are finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Combine Pasta and Pesto
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly prepared pesto sauce until it's well coated.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cubed fresh mozzarella cheese to the pasta.
- Gently mix everything together.
Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the green pesto pasta to serving plates.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor.
There you have it, the ultimate green pesto pasta recipe that's sure to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerful contender for top rankings on Google.
