Yes, you can prepare the pesto ahead of time. Do not mix it with the cooking cream to make the sauce, but simply store the pesto separately. Prepare it as usual, but put it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays and transfer the cubes to a zip-lock bag for longer storage.
For fresh-tasting spaghetti pesto leftovers, store them in an airtight container and transfer them to the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It is best not to freeze it, as pasta and cream sauce do not freeze well. We recommend making it fresh or simply storing it in the fridge. You can enjoy the leftovers cold or reheat them in a pan or microwave.
You can reheat spaghetti pesto on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, add a splash of cooking cream or water to the pasta and heat it gently in a pan, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals and stir in between to ensure even heating.
Use our tips to make a delicious spaghetti pesto. It only takes a few tips to help you get the utmost of the recipe.
Blanch the basil leaves for a few seconds in boiling water and then plunge them into ice water. This helps retain their bright green color and reduces any bitterness, enhancing the pesto's flavor and appearance. Pat the leaves dry before blending them into the pesto.
Creating a good pesto texture is all about balancing smoothness with a touch of graininess. The ideal pesto should be creamy with small bits of nuts and cheese for texture. If it is too thick, add a small amount of pasta water or more olive oil to reach your preferred consistency. Some prefer a smoother sauce, while others enjoy a more rustic, chunky pesto.
To keep pesto fresh, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice to help the pesto keep its bright green color. If you need to store it for longer, spoon the pesto into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer the cubes to freezer bags or containers, and they will stay good for around 3 months. When you are ready to use the pesto, thaw it in the fridge or drop the cubes straight into your warm dish, where they will quickly melt and add flavor.
Our spaghetti pesto recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Combining the fresh flavors of homemade basil pesto with the creamy richness of cooking cream, this dish transforms simple spaghetti into a gourmet experience. Whether you are cooking for a simple weeknight dinner or a leisurely lunch, this easy recipe is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Making a homemade basil pesto gives you the best and freshest flavors. The unbeatable charm of pesto stems from fresh, aromatic basil leaves, which gives it its signature taste. Choose the best extra virgin olive oil for its fruity and peppery notes that blend well with the garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts.
Garlic introduces a pungent kick, while Parmesan adds a salty and nutty depth. Pine nuts lend a rich, buttery texture. Mixing the pesto with rich cooking cream creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the spaghetti. The cream adds a rich texture and balances the bold flavors of the pesto, making the dish exceptionally smooth and creamy.
Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of savoury delight. Aged Parmesan adds a salty and nutty taste that is delicious with the creamy pesto sauce. Sprinkle it generously to ensure every bite has a touch of its bold flavor. Roasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch with rich, buttery notes. Together with the grated cheese, these toppings make the ideal finish for this Italian classic.
Our spaghetti pesto is the ultimate solution for a quick lunch or an effortless weeknight dinner. If you are hungry and looking for a speedy meal, this recipe delivers just that. Treat yourself to a home-cooked meal that combines the vibrant flavors of a fresh basil pesto and cream sauce, the nuttiness of pine nuts, and the rich taste of Parmesan cheese.
Serve it to family and friends for a swift yet impressive dinner with different sides. Crusty bread or garlic bread is delicious next to any type of pasta, and a fresh salad with crisp vegetables makes for a light and refreshing addition.
Do you need inspiration for other simple pasta dishes? Then try our Crispy Ravioli with Tomato Sauce, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, or butter chicken mac and cheese.
Experiment with other types of pasta than spaghetti. Make a pesto pasta with your favourite pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or ziti. Penne and ziti are known for their hollow centres, which capture the sauce well, and fusilli's spirals hold the pesto for a tasty bite.
For a bright flavor, add lemon zest or lemon juice. Lemon brightens the flavor, whether you add the juice or zest to the pesto or sprinkle zest over the finished dish with the pine nuts and Parmesan. If lemon is not your thing, try a spicy twist with thin slices of fresh chilli or a pinch of chilli flakes.
Adding vegetables can also enrich the dish. Try mixing in halved cherry tomatoes for a juicy contrast against the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like red peppers, courgettes, or aubergines can also be included to add smoky depth, more color, and different textures.
The fresh basil pesto is delicious, but you can also try a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and coriander. This combination will add a nice herbaceous note, elevating the overall flavor profile of the pasta.
