This Basil Pesto Pasta & Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast is the Real Hero! || easy pesto pasta recipe

pine nuts

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Walnuts are more affordable and provide a similar texture.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: Nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while Grana Padano is a less expensive cheese.

Boil water in a large pot and add salt.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

While pasta cooks, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan in a food processor.

Blend until finely chopped, scraping down the sides as needed.

With the processor running, slowly add olive oil until the mixture is smooth.

Season the pesto with salt and black pepper to taste.

Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.

Return the pasta to the pot and add the pesto.

Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens