Last Updated on December 4, 2023
Have you ever tried Costco pesto pasta recipe?
It’s an incredibly delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Costco pesto pasta is a unique combination of traditional Italian flavors and ingredients. It’s creamy, flavorful, and can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
In this article, we’ll discuss what is Costco pesto pasta recipe, why you’ll love it, the ingredients needed, directions, notes, storage tips, nutrition information, serving suggestions, and other substitutes that can be used in the recipe.
What is Costco Pesto Pasta ?
Costco, a members-only warehouse, primarily earns its revenue from retail sales, with a smaller portion coming from membership fees.
It’s one of the popular item is Costco pesto pasta.It is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines traditional Italian flavors with ingredients from Costco.
It features succulent pesto sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, and creamy parmesan cheese.
This dish is perfect for busy nights because it can be prepared in just 15 minutes. It’s also a great way to use up leftover ingredients, such as cooked sausage and parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love this Costco Pesto Pasta Recipe?
There are several reasons why you’ll love this Costco pesto pasta recipe. First, it’s incredibly easy to make. All you need to do is cook the pasta, heat up the pesto sauce, and add in the cooked sausage and parmesan cheese.
Second, the dish is loaded with flavor. The combination of pesto sauce, Italian sausage, and parmesan cheese creates a robust and savory flavor. Third, the dish is incredibly versatile.
You can easily substitute different ingredients, such as spinach instead of sausage or mozzarella instead of parmesan cheese. Finally, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients.
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The Ingredients
1 block aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, finely grated: Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is a key ingredient in pesto pasta due to its rich, nutty flavor and ability to add a creamy texture to the sauce. It provides a savory umami taste that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
1 cup cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil serves as the primary liquid component in the pesto sauce, contributing to its smooth consistency and helping to bind the other ingredients together. Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil adds a fruity, slightly peppery flavor that enhances the taste of the pesto.
1/2 cup toasted Mediterranean pine nuts: Pine nuts are traditionally used in pesto recipes for their buttery and slightly sweet taste. Toasting the pine nuts intensifies their flavor and gives the pesto a rich, nutty depth, adding both texture and a distinctive taste to the sauce.
4 bunches fresh Genovese basil leaves: Basil is the star herb in pesto sauce and provides its signature fresh, aromatic flavor. Genovese basil, specifically, is known for its sweet and slightly peppery taste, making it the ideal variety for authentic pesto. The basil leaves contribute freshness and a vibrant green color to the sauce.
4 cloves purple stripe garlic: Garlic adds a pungent, spicy flavor to the pesto sauce. Purple stripe garlic, known for its complex and robust flavor, complements the other ingredients and adds depth to the overall taste of the dish.
1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt: Salt is used to enhance the flavors of the ingredients, balancing the savory notes of the cheese and nuts with the freshness of the basil. Himalayan pink salt, with its mineral-rich profile, provides a subtle, nuanced saltiness that elevates the taste of the pesto without overpowering the other flavors.
Directions
STEP 1 – Pesto Preparation:
1. Wash and Dry Basil Leaves:
Start by gently washing the fresh Genovese basil leaves under cold water. Pat them dry thoroughly using a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. It’s crucial to ensure the leaves are clean and free from excess moisture to prevent a watery pesto.
2. Toast Pine Nuts:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the Mediterranean pine nuts. Toast them, stirring frequently until they turn lightly golden and emit a fragrant, nutty aroma. Once toasted, set them aside to cool. This step enhances their flavor profile.
3. Grate Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese:
Using a fine grater, grate the block of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The finer the grating, the smoother the texture of the pesto will be. Ensure you have enough cheese for a rich and flavorful pesto.
4. Prepare Garlic:
Peel the cloves of purple stripe garlic and roughly chop them. This will help in the blending process and distribute the garlic flavor evenly throughout the pesto.
5. Blend Ingredients:
Combine the washed and dried basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chopped garlic cloves, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt in a food processor or blender.
6. Blending Process:
While the food processor or blender is running, gradually pour in the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, cohesive paste. Pause intermittently to scrape down the sides to ensure uniform blending.
7.Adjust Consistency:
Assess the consistency of the pesto. If it’s too thick for your liking, slowly add a bit more olive oil until it reaches the desired creamy texture. Continue blending to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste the pesto. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You might want to add more salt or cheese for a more robust flavor. Blend briefly after any additions.
STEP 2 – Pasta Assembly:
9. Cook Pasta:
Prepare your favorite pasta according to the instructions on the package until it reaches the desired tenderness. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
10. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the prepared pesto until the pasta is evenly coated. If the pesto seems too thick to coat the pasta properly, gradually add a little pasta water while mixing until it’s well coated.
11. Serve:
Once the pasta is thoroughly coated with the pesto sauce, serve it immediately. Consider garnishing with extra grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh basil leaves for an added visual and flavorful touch.
Notes
– If you don’t have cooked Italian sausage, you can cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding it to the pesto sauce.
– If you don’t have freshly grated parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated cheese.
– If you don’t have pesto sauce, you can make your own using basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.
– If you don’t have penne, fusilli, or farfalle, you can use any other type of pasta.
– If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the Italian sausage and use roasted vegetables instead.
– If you want to add more protein to the dish, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp.
Storage Tips
Costco pesto pasta is best served immediately, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium-high heat and stir until it is warmed through.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Costco pesto pasta contains approximately 400 calories and 25 grams of fat. It is also a good source of protein and fiber.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve the pasta with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus.
– Top the pasta with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil.
– Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or garlic toast.
– Top the pasta with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
– Serve the pasta with a side of roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes.
– Top the pasta with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
What other Substitutes can I use in Costco Pesto Pasta Recipe?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, there are several substitutes that can be used in the Costco pesto pasta recipe.
– Pasta: If you don’t have penne, fusilli, or farfalle, you can use any other type of pasta.
– Pesto Sauce: If you don’t have pesto sauce, you can make your own using basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.
– Italian Sausage: If you don’t have cooked Italian sausage, you can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables instead.
– Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have freshly grated parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated cheese.
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 block aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese finely grated
- 1 cup cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup toasted Mediterranean pine nuts
- 4 bunches fresh Genovese basil leaves
- 4 cloves purple stripe garlic
- 1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
Instructions
- Wash and pat dry the fresh Genovese basil leaves, ensuring they are clean and free from any excess moisture.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the Mediterranean pine nuts until they turn lightly golden and release a nutty aroma. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, set them aside to cool.
- Finely grate the block of aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Ensure it’s finely grated for a smooth texture in the pesto.
- Peel and roughly chop the purple stripe garlic cloves.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, chopped garlic cloves, and Himalayan pink salt.
- With the food processor or blender running, gradually pour in the cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil in a steady stream. Blend until the ingredients form a smooth and well-combined paste. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- If the pesto is too thick, you can add a bit more olive oil gradually to reach the desired consistency. Keep blending until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture.
- Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or cheese according to your preference.
- Cook your favorite pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches the desired tenderness. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the prepared pesto until the pasta is evenly coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a little pasta water gradually to help coat the pasta evenly.
- Once the pasta is coated with pesto, serve it immediately. You can garnish with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra touch.
Notes
- If you don’t have cooked Italian sausage, you can cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding it to the pesto sauce.
- If you don’t have freshly grated parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated cheese.
- If you don’t have pesto sauce, you can make your own using basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts.
- If you don’t have penne, fusilli, or farfalle, you can use any other type of pasta.
- If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can omit the Italian sausage and use roasted vegetables instead.
- If you want to add more protein to the dish, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
– What is Costco Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Costco pesto pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines traditional Italian flavors with ingredients from Costco. It features succulent pesto sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, and creamy parmesan cheese.
– How long does it take to make Costco Pesto Pasta?
The dish can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
– What type of pasta is best for this dish?
We recommend using penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
– What other substitutes can I use in the recipe?
If you don’t have all of the ingredients on hand, there are several substitutes that can be used in the Costco pesto pasta recipe. For the pasta, you can use any other type of pasta. For the pesto sauce, you can make your own using basil, olive oil, garlic, and pine nuts. For the Italian sausage, you can use cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. For the parmesan cheese, you can use pre-grated cheese.
– How do I store the pasta?
Costco pesto pasta is best served immediately, but it can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the pasta in a skillet over medium-high heat and stir until it is warmed through.
– What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
Some serving suggestions for Costco pesto pasta include steamed vegetables, garlic bread or garlic toast, red pepper flakes, roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Conclusion
Costco pesto pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines traditional Italian flavors with ingredients from Costco. It features succulent pesto sauce, flavorful Italian sausage, and creamy parmesan cheese.
The dish can be prepared in just 15 minutes and is incredibly versatile. You can easily substitute different ingredients, such as spinach instead of sausage or mozzarella instead of parmesan cheese.
This dish is perfect for busy nights and is a great way to use up leftover ingredients. Give this recipe a try and you won’t be disappointed!
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more
