Spaghetti with Unplugged Pesto Recipe

Name: Spaghetti with Unplugged Pesto
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups (loosely packed) small fresh basil leaves; Leaves from 1 small sprig of marjoram; 4 flat-leaf parsley leaves; 1 tender spinach leaf, stemmed; 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt; 2 medium garlic cloves, lightly crushed; 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus more for the table; 3 tablespoons freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese plus more for the table; About 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 pound spaghetti or spaghettini

Servings: persons

1
Wipe the herbs and spinach clean with a dry towel; if they are not organic, wipe them with a lightly dampened towel.
2
Put the sea salt in a large mortar.
3
Add a few basil leaves, torn into fragments, and 1 garlic clove.
4
Start grinding with the pestle in a circular motion until everything is reduced to a fine texture.
5
Add a few more basil leaves and the spinach and grind and gently pound to the same fine consistency.
6
Continue pounding the basil and herbs, adding the second garlic clove halfway through, until all the leaves are ground to a fine-textured pesto; keep scraping the pesto down into the bottom of the mortar as you work.
7
With the pestle, gradually stir in the 1/3 cup Parmesan and 3 tablespoons Pecorino cheese; you will have a very dense mixture.
8
Scrape the pesto off the pestle and down from the sides of the mortar.
9
Add the olive oil in a thin steady stream, stirring it in with the pestle in a circular motion until fully incorporated.
10
One-half cup of olive oil makes a very loose pesto; you may want to use less for a thicker pesto.
11
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
12
Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water.
13
Transfer the pasta to a large bowl and toss with the pesto and 2 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water; add more water if necessary.
14
Serve immediately, passing additional cheese at the table.

209

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Feel free to swap in similar ingredients you already have on hand and adjust seasoning to taste.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 cups (loosely packed) small fresh basil leaves, Leaves from 1 small sprig of marjoram, 4 flat-leaf parsley leaves, 1 tender spinach leaf, stemmed, and more.

Yes, Spaghetti with Unplugged Pesto falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Spaghetti with Unplugged Pesto

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions