Herb-Infused Spaghetti with Mint and Parsley Pesto
Delight your taste buds with this refreshing Herb-Infused Spaghetti featuring a vibrant mint and parsley pesto. This unique dish combines the earthy flavors of fresh herbs with the creamy richness of pecorino cheese, creating a savory delight that's perfect for any occasion. Ideal for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the garden to your table. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a versatile meal your guests will love.
6
Servings
417
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mint
2 large bunches (Fresh, stems removed)
Parsley
2 large bunches (Fresh, stems removed)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3/4 cup (Good quality)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Garlic Cloves
4 (Peeled)
Pecorino Cheese
1/2 cup (Grated (or Grana Padano alternative))
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Spaghetti
1 lb (Dried)
Instructions
1
Rinse the mint and parsley under cold water to remove any dirt. Gently shake off excess water and pat dry with a towel.
2
In a food processor or blender, combine the mint, parsley, garlic cloves, lemon juice, pecorino cheese, and salt. Pulse until the herbs are finely chopped.
3
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
5
Once cooked, reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti in a colander.
6
In the same pot, combine the spaghetti and pesto, tossing well to coat the pasta evenly. If the pesto is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with additional pecorino cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
17g
Fat
53g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Infused Spaghetti with Mint and Parsley Pesto?
It is a refreshing pasta dish featuring a vibrant pesto made from fresh mint and parsley instead of traditional basil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Herb-Infused Spaghetti with Mint and Parsley Pesto is a vegetarian recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the primary ingredients in the herb pesto?
The pesto is made from fresh mint, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and pecorino cheese.
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Yes, while spaghetti is recommended, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 417 calories.
How should I prepare the mint and parsley?
Rinse the herbs under cold water, remove the stems, and pat them dry with a towel before using.
What cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for pecorino cheese, which provides a creamy and savory flavor.
Can I substitute Pecorino with another cheese?
Yes, Grana Padano is suggested as a suitable alternative to pecorino cheese.
Why is lemon juice included in the pesto?
Lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy acidity that balances the earthy flavors of the fresh herbs.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil.
How should the spaghetti be cooked?
Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What should I do with the pasta cooking water?
Reserve one cup of the pasta cooking water to help thin the pesto sauce and achieve your desired consistency.
Can this pasta be served at room temperature?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be served either warm or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for summer parties?
Yes, the refreshing mint and garden-fresh herbs make it an ideal dish for summer gatherings.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe uses 4 peeled garlic cloves for the pesto.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, you can substitute the pecorino cheese with a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast.
Is this a good recipe for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is a great option for a quick weeknight dinner as the sauce is made while the pasta boils.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving in this pasta dish.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 17 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil and cheese.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 53 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
Can I use dried herbs for the pesto?
No, fresh mint and parsley are essential to achieve the correct flavor and texture for this pesto.
What kitchen appliance is needed for the pesto?
A food processor or blender is needed to finely chop the herbs and emulsify the pesto sauce.
How do I ensure the pesto is smooth and creamy?
Slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the food processor while it is running.
How should I store any leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What are some good garnish options?
You can garnish the dish with additional grated pecorino cheese and sprigs of fresh mint or parsley.
Is this herb-infused spaghetti spicy?
No, the dish is savory and refreshing rather than spicy.
Can I add nuts to the pesto mixture?
While not in the original recipe, you can add pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture if desired.
What type of olive oil should I use?
Using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Does this recipe contain basil?
No, this specific pesto variation uses a combination of mint and parsley instead of basil.