Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6g green tea bbq seasonings
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your preferred type)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts, almonds as alternatives)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for freshness)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes depending on your pasta).
• Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Make the Pesto Sauce:

• While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
• Add 6g of green tea bbq seasonings to the pesto mixture. The green tea bbq seasonings will add a subtle smokiness and depth to the pesto, elevating the typical basil flavor with a unique savory twist that complements the richness of the Parmesan and nuts.
• Pulse everything together a few times to break down the ingredients, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the processor is running. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. If the pesto is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• Add lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Blend again until the pesto is well-seasoned and smooth.

Toss the Pasta:

• In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the freshly made pesto sauce. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta cooking water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly.
• Toss until all the pasta is coated in the vibrant green pesto sauce, and the flavors have melded together.

Garnish and Serve:

• Transfer the pesto-coated pasta to serving plates.
• Garnish each plate with halved cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
• Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy the Dish:

• This Basil Pesto Pasta with a touch of green tea bbq seasonings offers a delightful blend of fresh basil, nutty pine nuts, and a hint of smokiness from the seasoning, making it a perfect dish for a summer dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
• The subtle smokiness from the green tea bbq seasonings provides a beautiful balance to the bright, herby pesto, transforming the classic Italian dish into something extraordinary.

Optional Variations:

• For a Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables to the pasta for a complete meal.
• Vegan Version: Use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan and swap the pasta for a gluten-free variety if desired.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for an extra burst of heat.
• This easy-to-make Basil Pesto Pasta combines classic flavors with a touch of creativity, bringing a delightful twist to your dinner table. The green tea bbq seasonings provide a unique enhancement, making this pasta not only tasty but unforgettable!