If you’re tired of the same old pasta recipes and want to try something new, then Vasilica Pesto Spiral Pasta is the dish for you.

This delightful combination of spiral-shaped pasta, homemade pesto sauce, and fresh ingredients will leave your taste buds begging for more. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. So, put on your chef hat and let’s get cooking!.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound spiral pasta.

– 2 cups fresh basil leaves.

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

– 1/2 cup pine nuts.

– 3 cloves garlic.

– 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil.

– Salt and pepper to taste.

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved.

– 1 cup diced mozzarella cheese.

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil.

– Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Spiral Pasta.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Sauce.

In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the ingredients are well blended.

While the blender is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until a smooth pesto sauce forms. Set the pesto sauce aside.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta, Pesto Sauce, and Fresh Ingredients.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spiral pasta with the pesto sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. Add the cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella cheese, chopped fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if desired.

Gently toss everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy.

Transfer the Vasilica Pesto Spiral Pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!.

Variations:

1. Add protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced sausage to the pasta. Simply cook your chosen protein separately and add it to the dish in the final step.

2. Veggie alternatives: If you’re not a fan of cherry tomatoes, you can substitute them with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.

3. Different cheese: While mozzarella works great in this recipe, you can also experiment with other cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.

Tips for Success:

1. To give your pesto sauce a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon or two of sour cream or Greek yogurt.

2. Toast the pine nuts before blending them into the pesto sauce for a nuttier flavor. Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Cook, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant.

3. Adjust the consistency of your pesto sauce by adding more olive oil if it’s too thick or more basil leaves if it’s too thin.

4. Don’t overcook the spiral pasta. To achieve the perfect al dente texture, follow the cooking time specified on the package and taste test it a minute or two before the recommended time.