Zesty Parsley Pesto Spaghetti with Crunchy Breadcrumbs
Elevate your spaghetti experience with this vibrant Zesty Parsley Pesto Spaghetti with Crunchy Breadcrumbs recipe. The fresh flavors of parsley and garlic, combined with the rich nuttiness of pine nuts or almonds, create a mouthwatering pesto that perfectly coats tender spaghetti. Toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, while a hint of lemon zest brightens every bite. This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a worthy centerpiece for any dinner table. Share a plate of this easy-to-make, yet impressive dish with friends and family for a delightful meal any day of the week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
salt
to taste
spaghetti
1 lb (dried)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped or grated)
flat-leaf parsley
2 bunches (leaves only)
extra virgin olive oil
1/3-1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons (divided)
ground black pepper
to taste
pine nuts or sliced almonds
1/4 cup
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
lemon
1 (zested and juiced)
grated pecorino cheese
1 cup
plum tomatoes
3 (seeded and chopped)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2
Add 1 lb of spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
3
While the pot is heating, prepare the parsley pesto. In the bowl of a food processor, combine 2 chopped garlic cloves, 2 bunches of flat-leaf parsley leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until roughly chopped.
4
With the food processor running, slowly add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a thick, smooth paste. Turn off the food processor and set the pesto aside.
5
In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup of pine nuts (or sliced almonds) and toast, stirring occasionally, until they are lightly golden.
6
Add 1/2 cup of dry breadcrumbs to the skillet with the nuts, stirring to combine. Toast the mixture for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and the nuts deepen in color.
7
Stir in the prepared pesto and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the raw garlic flavor to mellow.
8
Add the zest and juice of 1 lemon to the skillet and season with freshly ground black pepper.
9
Toss the drained spaghetti and 1 cup of grated pecorino cheese into the skillet, mixing until the pasta is well coated with the pesto and breadcrumbs.
10
To serve, portion the pasta into serving bowls and top with 3 chopped, seeded plum tomatoes for a fresh finish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Zesty Parsley Pesto Spaghetti with Crunchy Breadcrumbs.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried spaghetti.
What are the main ingredients for the pesto?
The pesto is made from garlic cloves, flat-leaf parsley leaves, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil.
How much parsley is needed for the pesto?
You will need 2 bunches of flat-leaf parsley leaves.
What kind of nuts can be used in the topping?
You can use either 1/4 cup of pine nuts or sliced almonds.
What provides the crunchy texture in this dish?
The crunch comes from toasted dry breadcrumbs and toasted pine nuts or almonds.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of grated pecorino cheese.
How many garlic cloves are required?
Two garlic cloves are used in the pesto mixture.
How should the tomatoes be prepared for serving?
Three plum tomatoes should be seeded and chopped to use as a fresh topping.
What is the recommended cooking consistency for the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions.
How much olive oil is used in the pesto?
Between 1/3 and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil is used to create the pesto paste.
What ingredients are added to the skillet for the breadcrumb mixture?
Olive oil, pine nuts or almonds, and dry breadcrumbs are toasted together in the skillet.
How long should the breadcrumbs be toasted?
The breadcrumbs should be toasted for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown.
When do you add the lemon to the dish?
The zest and juice of one lemon are added to the skillet after the pesto has cooked for a few minutes.
Is this dish considered vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta dish.
How do you make the pesto smooth?
A food processor is used to pulse the ingredients while slowly adding olive oil until a thick, smooth paste forms.
What does the lemon add to the recipe?
The lemon zest and juice brighten the flavors of the heavy pesto and breadcrumbs.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasoning like salt and pepper.
What is the first step in preparing the recipe?
The first step is to bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.
Can I substitute the pecorino cheese?
While the recipe calls for pecorino, you could use a similar hard Italian cheese like Parmesan if necessary.
How do you mellow the raw garlic flavor?
The garlic flavor is mellowed by cooking the prepared pesto in the skillet for 2-3 minutes.
What type of tomatoes are best for this recipe?
Plum tomatoes are recommended because they are meaty and have fewer seeds.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically requires 2 bunches of fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves.
What equipment is needed to make the pesto?
A food processor is required to blend the garlic, parsley, and oil.
Is the pasta rinsed after draining?
No, the instructions state to drain the pasta thoroughly and then toss it directly into the skillet with the sauce.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to portion the pasta into bowls and top it with chopped plum tomatoes.
What cuisines does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine and comfort food.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed for toasting the nuts?
3 tablespoons of olive oil are used in the skillet for the toasting stage.
What flavor profile does the parsley pesto have?
It is described as vibrant and fresh with a rich nuttiness from the pine nuts.
What is the preparation for the garlic cloves?
The garlic cloves should be chopped or grated before being added to the food processor.