Casareccia with Fresh Basil Pesto
Casareccia with Fresh Basil Pesto
Ingredients
For the Fresh Basil Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup Grana Padano DOP cheese, grated
- 2 garlic, cloves, peeled
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Casareccia Pasta
- 1 pound casareccia pasta
- 2 garlic, cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup Grana Padano DOP cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fresh basil pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Grana Padano DOP cheese, 2 peeled garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.
⏱️ 5 min
- 2
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
⏱️ 3 min
- 3
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the casareccia pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
⏱️ 12 min•🌡️ 212
- 4
While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the casareccia pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and olive oil.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Add the prepared basil pesto and 2 tablespoons heavy cream to the pasta in the skillet. Toss vigorously to combine, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh chives (if using) and extra grated Grana Padano DOP cheese.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Casareccia with Fresh Basil Pesto
Ingredients
For the Fresh Basil Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup Grana Padano DOP cheese, grated
- 2 garlic, cloves, peeled
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
For the Casareccia Pasta
- 1 pound casareccia pasta
- 2 garlic, cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 1/4 cup Grana Padano DOP cheese, grated, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fresh basil pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, 1/2 cup grated Grana Padano DOP cheese, 2 peeled garlic cloves, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.
⏱️ 5 min - 2
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
⏱️ 3 min - 3
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the casareccia pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes.
⏱️ 12 min•🌡️ 212 - 4
While the pasta cooks, in a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the casareccia pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the sautéed garlic and olive oil.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Add the prepared basil pesto and 2 tablespoons heavy cream to the pasta in the skillet. Toss vigorously to combine, adding a splash or two of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, emulsified sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh chives (if using) and extra grated Grana Padano DOP cheese.
⏱️ 1 min