Imagine a plate of vibrant, colorful pasta that not only delights the eyes but also tantalizes the taste buds! Our Basil Pesto Pasta with Grilled Vegetables is a culinary masterpiece that brings the essence of Italian cuisine right to your kitchen. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Dive into this delightful fusion of al dente pasta, aromatic basil pesto, and perfectly grilled veggies that will elevate your dining experience to new heights!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Measure out 8 oz of pasta, 1 cup of basil pesto, and 2 cups of grilled vegetables (zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers). Also, have 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese ready, along with salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This will help season the pasta as it cooks.
- Add the 8 oz of pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare your grilled vegetables. If they are not already grilled, slice the zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them until they are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta, as you want to keep some of the starch to help the pesto adhere.
- In the same pot you used to cook the pasta, return the drained pasta and add the 1 cup of basil pesto. Stir to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if necessary to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Gently fold in the grilled vegetables, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta and pesto mixture.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the Parmesan cheese will also add some saltiness, so taste before adding too much salt.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates or bowls. Sprinkle each serving with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and if desired, add a few fresh basil leaves for garnish.
- Enjoy your delicious Basil Pesto Pasta with Grilled Vegetables while it’s warm!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: While any pasta works, consider using whole grain or gluten-free options for a healthier twist. Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold onto the pesto beautifully.
- Make Your Own Pesto: If you have fresh basil on hand, try making your own pesto! Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for an unbeatable flavor.
- Grill with Care: To achieve the perfect grilled vegetables, slice them evenly and avoid overcrowding the grill. This ensures they cook evenly and develop those lovely char marks.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta cooking water! This starchy liquid can help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency when mixing in your pesto.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your dish as you go. The saltiness of the Parmesan can vary, so adjust the seasoning to your preference before serving.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving can add a beautiful touch and enhance the flavor.
- Pair with Wine: Enhance your meal with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the flavors of the pesto and grilled vegetables perfectly. Enjoy cooking and savoring this delightful dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
