Watercress Pesto with Linguine

There’s something absolutely delightful about creating a dish that not only tastes incredible but also brings a splash of vibrant color to your table. The first time I made Watercress Pesto with Linguine, it was a spontaneous decision, spurred by a craving for something fresh and green. I had just come back from the market, where I stumbled across a bunch of the most beautiful watercress. As I stood in my kitchen, I envisioned the peppery flavor of the watercress combined with the comforting embrace of pasta. That day, I created a dish that quickly became a favorite in my home. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of twirling spaghetti around your fork, topped with a creamy, green sauce that sings of spring. This dish became a staple not just for its flavor, but for its ease and quick prep time. The best part? It’s a showstopper that feels fancy but is effortless to whip up.

The first reason I love this recipe is its incredible balance of flavors. The peppery notes from the watercress combined with the nutty undertones of pine nuts create a symphony on your palate. Plus, the creaminess of the heavy cream and parmesan cheese gives it a luxurious texture that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. And let’s not forget about the simplicity! With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can throw together a delicious meal that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. I appreciate how versatile this dish is; it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, but elegant enough for a special occasion. It’s also a great recipe to make when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. I could go on about the benefits of this dish, but I think the best way to truly appreciate it is to try it for yourself.

Recipe Ingredients for Watercress Pesto with Linguine

When it comes to cooking, the ingredients you choose can make or break a dish. For Watercress Pesto with Linguine, the key players are simple yet flavorful. Each ingredient complements the others, creating a delightful balance of tastes and textures. Let’s explore what makes these ingredients work so well together:

• 1 bunch of watercress
• 1 garlic clove
• 4 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, plus shavings
• ½ cup of pine nuts
• ½ cup of olive oil
• 1 pound of linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons of heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of butter

Step by Step Instructions for Watercress Pesto with Linguine

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the delightful process of making Watercress Pesto with Linguine. This is where the magic happens!

1. Start by rinsing the watercress under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the thick stems as needed, focusing on just the leafy portions. You want to capture the best flavors!
2. Next, take your food processor and add the rinsed watercress, garlic clove, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. Pulse this mixture until it reaches a pureed consistency. The goal is a creamy, thick green sauce that is full of flavor.
3. As you puree the mixture, slowly stream in the olive oil. This will help emulsify the pesto, making it rich and smooth. Keep processing until the oil is fully incorporated and the sauce is velvety.
4. While you’re preparing the pesto, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. You want a slight bite to the pasta, which will help it hold up against the pesto.
5. As the pasta cooks, make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This is a secret weapon for bringing everything together later!
6. After draining the pasta, return it to the pot while it’s still warm. Add the butter and heavy cream right away. Stir until the butter is melted and the pasta is coated in a creamy sheen.
7. Now, incorporate the luscious watercress pesto to the pasta, mixing well to combine. If the pesto seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up, ensuring every strand of linguine is coated.
8. To serve, plate the pasta and give each serving a generous dollop of the remaining watercress pesto. Top with extra parmesan cheese shavings for that added touch of elegance.
9. Finally, enjoy every bite of your homemade Watercress Pesto with Linguine. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to adapt Watercress Pesto with Linguine to suit your tastes:

• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pesto separately to enjoy later. Just make sure it’s in a sealed container or freezer bag.
• Pairing: Consider serving with grilled vegetables or a simple arugula salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Additional Proteins: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal that still pairs well with the pesto flavors.
• Seasonal Variations: Try substituting seasonal greens for watercress, like spinach or kale, to mix things up.

What Complements This Watercress Pesto with Linguine

When it comes to serving Watercress Pesto with Linguine, there are plenty of delicious options to explore:

• Side Dishes: Pair it with a crisp garden salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for spring gatherings or intimate dinner parties, showcasing the vibrant flavors of the season.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated, but they taste best fresh. If you must store, ensure the pesto is well covered to prevent browning.
• Seasonal Pairings: Serve this dish with fresh, seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or peas, that highlight the essence of spring.
• Wine Pairings: A glass of crisp white wine can elevate the dining experience, complementing the dish harmoniously.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Watercress Pesto with Linguine stands out not only for its vibrant flavors but also for its simplicity and versatility. It’s a dish that brings a taste of spring to your dining table, making every bite feel refreshing and satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it might just become a regular part of your meal rotation, delighting your family and friends alike.

Watercress Pesto with Linguine

The ultimate comfort food, Watercress Pesto with Linguine is a creamy and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. With fresh watercress, rich cream, and nutty pine nuts, this pasta will satisfy your cravings and make you want to make it tonight!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 1 bunch Watercress
• 1 clove Garlic
• 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup Pine nuts
• ½ cup Olive oil
• 1 pound Linguine pasta
• 4 tablespoons Heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Butter

Instructions

 

• Rinse the watercress and remove as many of you can of the thick stems.
• In a food processor, add the watercress, garlic, parmesan cheese, and pine nuts and chop until it becomes a puree. Slowly add the olive oil while the motor is running the food processor. You should have a creamy-thick green sauce.
• Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large, salted pot and cook it to al dente, a couple of minutes before recommended manufacturer cooking time.
• Save 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta and put it back into the cooking pot.
• Add the butter and heavy cream. Mix well and once the butter is melted, add some of the watercress pesto. Mix well and serve on a pasta plate.
• Add a spoonful of watercress pesto to each dish and top with parmesan cheese shavings.

Notes

• Storage: To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the pesto separately to enjoy later. Just make sure it’s in a sealed container or freezer bag.
• Pairing: Consider serving with grilled vegetables or a simple arugula salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Additional Proteins: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal that still pairs well with the pesto flavors.
• Seasonal Variations: Try substituting seasonal greens for watercress, like spinach or kale, to mix things up.

Keyword Easy Pasta Recipes, linguine with pesto, Spring Recipes, watercress pesto recipe

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.