Lemon-Garlic Mint Basil Pesto Pasta

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Lemon-Garlic Mint Basil Pesto Pasta

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Appetizer, lunch, Main Course, Snack

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • food processor or blender
  • Measuring cups
  • mixing bowls
  • zester

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Pasta Spaghetti, Linguine, or Penne
  • 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
  • 1 cup Fresh Mint Leaves
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1/4 cup Pine Nuts or Walnuts
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan or Nutritional Yeast for vegan option
  • 1/2 cup Olive Oil
  • Juice of 1/2 Lemon
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for heat
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.

Make the Pesto

  • In a food processor or blender, combine basil, mint, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
  • If the pesto is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Combine

  • In a large bowl, toss the warm pasta with the pesto.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
  • Stir in red pepper flakes if using.

Serve

  • Garnish with extra Parmesan, lemon zest, or fresh basil/mint leaves.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For protein: add chickpeas or tofu 
  • For extra veggies: Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes or sautéed zucchini.
  • For crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or extra pine nuts.
Keyword basil, Garlic, lemon, mint, Pesto
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