Imagine twirling your fork into a plate of perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated with a vibrant, aromatic pesto that bursts with the fresh, green flavors of summer. This isn't just another pasta dish - this is a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. Prepare to discover a recipe that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both weeknight dinners and impressive dinner parties.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 cup garlic scapes, chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- While the water is heating, prepare the pesto by combining chopped garlic scapes, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, consistent sauce.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
- Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, which will help the pesto adhere to the noodles.
- Drain the spaghetti in a colander, then immediately return it to the warm pot.
- Add the prepared garlic scape basil pesto to the hot pasta, stirring gently to coat the noodles evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to help it distribute.
- Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls, with additional grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
Tips
- Fresh is Best: Use the freshest garlic scapes and basil you can find - farmer's markets are ideal for peak flavor.
- Pasta Water Magic: Never drain all your pasta water! The starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating a silky, clingy sauce.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook your spaghetti just until it's tender but still has a slight bite - this ensures the perfect texture.
- Quick Pesto Technique: Pulse your pesto ingredients to control the consistency and prevent over-processing.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right after mixing the pesto with the pasta to preserve its vibrant flavors and textures.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 631kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
