Pesto is one of those magical sauces that instantly transports you to sunny Italy, even better when it accompanies butterfly noodles (Farfalle). But can you really make it at home and get that same flavor?

Absolutely! If you're ready to upgrade your pasta game, grab some flour, and a bunch of basil, and let's get cracking!

Handmade Farfalle Pasta

Ingredients:

- 200g all-purpose flour

- 2 large eggs

- A pinch of salt

Step-by-Step

1. On a clean surface, make a well in the flour, crack the eggs in the center, and add salt.

2. Gradually mix the flour into the eggs, then knead the dough until smooth.

3. Roll out thin, cut into small rectangles, and pinch in the middle to form butterfly shapes.

4. Cook in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes.

The Basics of Pesto

The traditional Italian pesto, originating from Genoa, is a blend of fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You can whip it up in a food processor, but if you want to go old-school, grab a mortar and pestle. The key to nailing pesto is fresh ingredients - trust us, store-bought basil just won't cut it.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups fresh basil leaves

- 1/4 cup pine nuts

- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

- 2 garlic cloves

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- Salt to taste

Step-by-Step:

- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.

- Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.

- Season with salt.

Making Pesto Butterfly Noodles

1. Start with Farfalle: This pasta is perfect for catching every bit of that creamy pesto sauce. Cook them until they're not firm but not too soft, so they don't fall apart when mixed with the sauce.

2. The Sauce: Blend until smooth, no need to heat it or cook it, it is ready as it is!

3. Finishing Touch: Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

For a sweet twist, toss roasted cherry tomatoes and extra pine nuts on top of the finished dish. Trust us, this will take your homemade pesto to a whole new level! Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and you'll feel like a gourmet chef in your own kitchen.