True Ligurian Pesto with Spaghetti Recipe

Name: True Ligurian Pesto with Spaghetti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Sea salt; 4 cups packed fresh basil tops (2 bunches); 1/2 cup EVOO; 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano; 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano; 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 2 large cloves garlic, pasted or grated; Pepper; 1 pound spaghetti

Servings: persons

1
Bring a pot of water to boil, season it liberally with sea salt.
2
Fill a large bowl with ice water.
3
Add the basil to the boiling water for 30 seconds or so and transfer to the ice bath.
4
Drain and dry the basil in a salad spinner or on clean kitchen towels.
5
Place the EVOO in the food processor and add the basil, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino-Romano, pine nuts, lemon juice, garlic and some salt and pepper.
6
Pulse process into a fine sauce.
7
Store in an airtight container.
8
Freeze or refrigerate to store for a make-ahead meal.
9
Bring to room temperature to prepare.
10
To serve, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt the water and cook the pasta to al dente.
11
Reserve a cup of the salty cooking water just before draining the pasta.
12
Place the pesto in serving bowl.
13
Add the starchy water and stir to combine, then add the pasta and toss 1 to 2 minutes to coat evenly.
14
Adjust the seasoning and serve.

258

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

Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

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: Sea salt, 4 cups packed fresh basil tops (2 bunches), 1/2 cup EVOO, 1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and more.

Yes, True Ligurian Pesto with Spaghetti 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!

True Ligurian Pesto with Spaghetti

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions