Thai Basil Pesto Pasta

Why Make This Recipe

Thai Basil Pesto Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the aromatic taste of Thai basil with the comforting feel of pasta. It’s quick to prepare and uses fresh ingredients, making it a healthy choice for any meal. If you want to impress your family and friends with something new and delicious, this recipe is the perfect way to do it.

How to Make Thai Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 garlic clove
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 4 cups Thai basil leaves
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 50 g parmesan cheese, finely grated, plus extra to serve
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
• 200 g bucatini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
• Sea salt

Directions:

1. Start by using a large mortar and pestle to pound the garlic and a pinch of salt into a fine paste.
2. Add the cashews to the mortar and pound again until they are finely crushed.
3. Next, add the Thai basil leaves in handfuls and pound them until they are fairly smooth.
4. After that, add the baby spinach and continue to pound until everything is smooth.
5. Mix in the parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt to taste. Blend everything well.
6. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until it is just al dente. Make sure to reserve at least a cup of the pasta cooking water.
7. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.
8. Add 2-3 large spoonfuls of the pesto to the warm pasta and mix well. You can add more pesto if you like (any extra will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days).
9. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water and mix again.
10. Grate some parmesan cheese over the pasta and drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until everything is thick and glossy. If the pasta is too thick, add more cooking water.
11. Serve the pasta on plates, adding more grated parmesan and a little extra olive oil on top.

How to Serve Thai Basil Pesto Pasta

Serve the Thai Basil Pesto Pasta warm, topped with extra parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. This dish pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

How to Store Thai Basil Pesto Pasta

To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can reheat it on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up.

Tips to Make Thai Basil Pesto Pasta

• Use fresh, vibrant Thai basil for the best flavor.
• Adjust the amount of olive oil depending on your desired consistency.
• Be careful with salt, as the cheese also adds saltiness.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by swapping out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

FAQs

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, you can use regular basil, but the flavor will be different. Thai basil has a unique, sweeter taste.

How can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.

Can I freeze the pesto?
Yes, you can freeze the pesto in ice cube trays. Once frozen, store the cubes in a bag in the freezer for later use.