Penne with pumpkin-basil pesto
4 servings
15 minutes
Penne with pumpkin-basil pesto is an exquisite dish of European cuisine that combines tender pasta with aromatic sauce. The pesto made from fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Grana Padano cheese gains a unique flavor from the addition of pumpkin seeds. This sauce not only gives the penne a velvety texture but also enriches the dish with nutty notes. Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal option for both everyday dinners and festive gatherings. In Italy, pesto is traditionally made with pine nuts, but pumpkin seeds bring a new flavor nuance. Serving penne garnished with seeds provides not only an aesthetically pleasing dish but also enjoyment from the delicate balance of fresh herbs, rich cheese, and spicy garlic.
1
To prepare pesto sauce, roughly chop the basil, crush the garlic cloves with a knife, grate the cheese, and mix all ingredients in a food processor with olive oil until smooth.
- Green basil: 100 g
- Garlic: 5 clove
- Grana Padano cheese: 150 g
- Olive oil: 1 ml
2
If the mass is not homogeneous enough, add more oil gradually until a uniform consistency is achieved.
- Olive oil: 1 ml
3
At the end, add green peeled pumpkin seeds and blend again until smooth.
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): 6 tablespoons
4
Boil the penne according to the package instructions.
- Penne rigate: 500 g
5
Drain the water from the penne and immediately mix it with the pesto sauce.
- Penne rigate: 500 g
- Green basil: 100 g
- Garlic: 5 clove
- Grana Padano cheese: 150 g
- Olive oil: 1 ml
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): 6 tablespoons
6
Serve decorated with pumpkin seeds on top.
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas): 6 tablespoons
