Creamy Pesto Pasta with Roasted Potatoes Recipe
This Pesto Pasta with Potatoes is a comforting and rustic Italian dish that combines al dente spaghetti and tender potatoes tossed in a vibrant basil pesto sauce, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner, this recipe highlights the lovely texture contrast between the pasta and potatoes with the rich herbaceous flavor of pesto.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 350 g spaghetti n.3
- 300 g potatoes (2-3 medium-sized)
- 150 g basil pesto
- 4 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into small cubes about 1-2 cm each. This size helps them cook quickly and evenly alongside the pasta.
- Cook Pasta and Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potatoes to the boiling water first and cook for 3-4 minutes. Then add the spaghetti and cook both together until the pasta is al dente and the potatoes are tender, approximately 8-10 minutes total. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain and Reserve Water: Drain the pasta and potatoes, reserving a cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce if needed.
- Toss with Pesto: Return the pasta and potatoes to the pot or place in a large bowl. Add the basil pesto and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat the pasta and potatoes with the pesto. If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide onto plates, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese, and add an additional drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold for the best texture as they hold their shape well when boiled.
- You can substitute store-bought pesto with homemade pesto for fresher flavor.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully as it contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular spaghetti with gluten-free pasta.
