This is the kind of pasta you make when time is short but you still want real flavor.
The pesto is soft, aromatic, and coats the pasta without turning heavy.
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, place cashews, basil, garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a blender.
- Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
- Reserve a small cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the pesto directly to the hot pasta and toss well.
- Loosen with a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Finish with grated cheese and black pepper before serving.
Common Mistakes
- Blending the pesto too long — it should stay fresh, not paste-like.
- Skipping pasta water — it helps the sauce cling properly.
- Adding cheese into the blender — it dulls the basil flavor.
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