Paccheri is a type of pasta that originates from Southern Italy. It is a large, tube-shaped pasta that is perfect for holding onto rich and flavorful sauces. Traditionally, paccheri is paired with rich and creamy sauces like ragù or a meaty Bolognese.
However, in this recipe, we give paccheri a tangy and delicious twist by pairing it with a homemade caper pesto. The pesto is made with tangy capers, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese, giving it a zesty and herbaceous flavor.
Here’s how to make this simple yet scrumptious paccheri with caper pesto recipe:
Ingredients:
For the pesto:
– 1/2 cup capers, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2-3 garlic cloves
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
– 1 pound paccheri pasta
– salt
– Water
– Fresh lemon wedges and parmesan cheese for serving
Directions:
1. First, start by making the pesto. In a food processor, combine the capers, basil, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, but still has a little texture.
2. Season the pesto with salt and pepper according to your taste.
3. Now, it’s time to cook the paccheri pasta. In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring salted water to a boil. Add the paccheri pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
4. Drain the cooked pasta and reserve some of the pasta water.
5. In the same pot, add the cooked pasta and the caper pesto.
6. Toss everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to help coat the noodles evenly.
7. Serve the paccheri with caper pesto hot, topped with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
This paccheri with caper pesto dish is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish or shrimp. You could also add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, asparagus, or spinach to the dish to make it more nutritious.
The pasta is rich and flavorful, with the tangy caper pesto perfectly complementing the al dente paccheri. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouth-watering meal that the whole family will love.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to add some excitement to your dinner menu, try making paccheri with caper pesto. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit!