Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Pesto Recipe

Indulge in this dreamy Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Pesto! A quick and easy recipe perfect for pesto lovers, this dish features perfectly cooked angel hair pasta tossed in a vibrant, homemade pesto sauce. The roasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Ready in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 289.7 kcal
Protein 25g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Pesto 53

Recipe Actions

Share this recipe:

Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Pesto

  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • Fresh Basil
  • Fresh Spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2-4 tablespoons water
  • 1 pound angel hair pasta

How to Make Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Pesto

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread 1/2 cup pine nuts on a foil-lined baking sheet. Roast for 7-8 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
  3. While pine nuts roast, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the roasted pine nuts, 2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Process until a smooth paste forms.
  4. With the food processor running, gradually add 2-4 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Cook 1 pound angel hair pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  8. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

19 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

18g

Carbs

10g