Pesto is a delicious and versatile sauce that can transform any pasta dish into a flavorful and satisfying meal. But how much pesto should you use for your pasta? And what are some tips and tricks to make the best pesto pasta possible? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.

What is pesto and how to make it from scratch or use a jar?

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce that originated in the city of Genoa. It is made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. These ingredients are blended or pounded together until they form a smooth paste. Pesto has a bright green color and a rich and aromatic flavor that pairs well with pasta, as well as other dishes like pizza, chicken, fish, and salads.

You can make your own pesto from scratch using a food processor or a mortar and pestle. You will need about two cups of fresh basil leaves, two cloves of garlic, half a cup of olive oil, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a quarter cup of pine nuts. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. Simply blend or pound all the ingredients together until you have a smooth sauce. You can store your homemade pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to six months.

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If you don’t have time or access to fresh basil, you can also use a jar of ready-made pesto sauce. There are many brands and varieties of pesto sauce available in most grocery stores. You can choose the one that suits your taste and budget. Some common types of pesto sauce are:

Classic basil pesto: This is the most common and traditional type of pesto sauce. It has a bright green color and a fresh and herbaceous flavor.
Sun-dried tomato pesto: This type of pesto sauce has a reddish color and a sweet and tangy flavor. It is made with sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, cheese, and sometimes nuts.
Arugula pesto: This type of pesto sauce has a dark green color and a peppery and nutty flavor. It is made with arugula leaves, olive oil, garlic, cheese, and sometimes nuts.
Spinach pesto: This type of pesto sauce has a light green color and a mild and creamy flavor. It is made with spinach leaves, olive oil, garlic, cheese, and sometimes nuts.

How to choose the best pasta shape for pesto sauce?

Pesto sauce can be used with any type of pasta you like. However, some pasta shapes work better than others for holding the sauce and enhancing its flavor. Generally, the best pasta shapes for pesto sauce are:

Long noodles: These include spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, tagliatelle, etc. These noodles have a large surface area that allows the sauce to coat them evenly. They also have a smooth texture that contrasts well with the chunky texture of the sauce.
Twisted shapes: These include fusilli, rotini, gemelli, cavatappi, etc. These shapes have grooves and curves that trap the sauce inside them. They also have a firm texture that matches well with the rich texture of the sauce.
Small shapes: These include penne, rigatoni, macaroni, farfalle, etc. These shapes have holes or ridges that catch the sauce on their surface. They also have a bite-sized texture that makes them easy to eat with the sauce.

How to measure the right amount of pesto per pound of pasta?

The amount of pesto you need for your pasta depends on your personal preference and taste. Some people like their pasta very saucy, while others like it more dry. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can use about 300 grams (10 ounces) of pesto per pound (453 grams) of uncooked pasta. This will give you enough sauce to coat your pasta generously without making it too soggy or oily.

If you are using homemade pesto from scratch, you will need about half a cup (120 grams) of pesto per pound (453 grams) of uncooked pasta. If you are using ready-made pesto from a jar, you will need about 350 grams (12 ounces) of pesto per pound (453 grams) of uncooked pasta. This is because jarred pesto tends to be more concentrated and less fresh than homemade pesto.

You can adjust the amount of pesto according to your liking. You can use more or less pesto depending on the type and shape of pasta you are using, the consistency and flavor of the sauce, and the toppings and extras you are adding. You can always add more pesto if you find your pasta too dry, or use less pesto if you find your pasta too wet.

How to use pasta water to create a creamy and smooth pesto sauce?

One of the best tips for making pesto pasta is to use some of the pasta water to thin out and emulsify the sauce. Pasta water is the water that you use to boil your pasta. It contains starch from the pasta, which acts as a natural thickener and binder for the sauce. It also adds some saltiness and flavor to the sauce.

To use pasta water for your pesto sauce, you need to reserve some of it before you drain your pasta. You can use a ladle or a measuring cup to scoop out about half a cup (120 ml) of pasta water and set it aside. Then, drain your pasta and return it to the pot or transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Next, add your pesto sauce to your pasta and toss well to combine. Then, gradually add some of the pasta water to your pasta and sauce mixture, stirring constantly. Start with about two tablespoons (30 ml) of pasta water and see how it affects the consistency and texture of the sauce. You can add more or less pasta water depending on how creamy and smooth you want your sauce to be.

Using pasta water will help you create a silky and glossy pesto sauce that clings to your pasta better. It will also prevent the sauce from separating or becoming too oily or dry. It will also enhance the flavor and richness of the sauce.

How to add toppings and extras to enhance your pesto pasta?

Pesto pasta is delicious on its own, but you can also add some toppings and extras to make it more interesting and satisfying. Here are some ideas for what you can add to your pesto pasta:

Cheese: Cheese is a classic topping for pesto pasta. You can use grated Parmesan cheese, which is traditionally used in pesto sauce, or try other types of cheese like mozzarella, feta, goat cheese, or ricotta. Cheese will add more creaminess and saltiness to your pesto pasta.
Nuts: Nuts are another common topping for pesto pasta. You can use pine nuts, which are traditionally used in pesto sauce, or try other types of nuts like walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or cashews. Nuts will add more crunchiness and nuttiness to your pesto pasta.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a great way to add more color, texture, and nutrition to your pesto pasta. You can use fresh or cooked vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, broccoli, zucchini, mushrooms, asparagus, peas, or artichokes. Vegetables will add more freshness and sweetness to your pesto pasta.
Meat: Meat is a good option for adding more protein and flavor to your pesto pasta. You can use cooked meat like chicken, turkey, ham, bacon, sausage, or shrimp. Meat will add more juiciness and savoriness to your pesto pasta.
Herbs: Herbs are a simple but effective way to add more aroma and taste to your pesto pasta. You can use fresh or dried herbs like basil, parsley, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or mint. Herbs will add more brightness and freshness to your pesto pasta.

You can mix and match any of these toppings and extras according to your preference and availability. You can also experiment with different combinations and flavors to create your own unique pesto pasta dish.