Shiso Pesto Pasta

Prep: 20 mins

Cook: 15 mins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Serves: 6

kcal	fat	saturates	carbs
560	34g	8g	48g

sugars	fibre	protein	salt
6g	4g	19g	0.8g

There’s something divine about the union of pasta and fresh, seasonal fruits – a testimony of which is the fabulous Shiso Pesto Pasta recipe. An irresistible combination of flavorful shiso leaves, luscious fruits, and robust pasta, this recipe has won over my heart and taste buds time and time again. As an Italian-American, I am no stranger to pasta dishes. However, this particular recipe adds a fruity twist to the classics I grew up with.

True to My Roots, Open to Innovations

In my childhood, the conventional pesto sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, drizzled over some spaghetti was a staple dish at our dinner table. My Italian grandparents, who instilled in me a passionate love for cooking, hardly ever went a week without serving this beloved recipe. Over time, we’ve modernized and playfully twisted the traditional pesto. We’ve invited new ingredients and flavor combinations to join the family of sauces, one of them being the alluring shiso pesto with its unique, mint-like flavor. Just like our family, this recipe embraces tradition while welcoming change.

Healthy and Wholesome

What I especially respect about the Shiso Pesto Pasta is its investment in health. Shiso leaves possess various health benefits, such as being high in antioxidants, having anti-inflammatory properties, and aiding digestion. Moreover, by partnering these leaves with a colorful assortment of fruits, this pesto pasta becomes a wholesome dish packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The pine nuts and olive oil further add to its health quotient with their healthy fats.

Trust me; this pasta doesn’t hesitate to pack in flavor along with all these fantastic health benefits. The zesty freshness of the shiso leaves combined with the ripe burst of fruits, the creamy twang of Parmesan, and the lemon’s citrus undertone creates an unforgettable taste profile.

The Right Occasion

While this hearty Shiso Pesto Pasta may not be as ubiquitous as meatballs in red sauce or lasagna bolognese, it is a perfect side dish for a family BBQ or a main course on hot summer evenings. Even though the dish is unique in its own right, it’s a cousin to the traditional linguine primavera, given its bounty of fresh ingredients.

Moreover, if you’re eager to add a dessert to follow up this meal, I highly recommend a classic Italian pizzelle frolla. Their sweet crunch pairs exquisitely with the vivacious pasta.

So there you have it, the Shiso Pesto Pasta recipe. It’s a delightful remix of my Italian roots, a testament to my love for pasta, while bringing in something utterly new and memorable. It’s a celebration on your plate that you and your family don’t want to miss.

What You’ll Need

1 package of linguine pasta
2 cups of shiso leaves
1 cup of fresh basil leaves
3 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of pine nuts
1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup of cherry tomatoes
1 cup of chopped fruits (peaches, mangoes, etc.)
1/2 cup of lemon juice

ALLERGENS: Gluten (in linguine pasta), Pine nuts, Dairy (in Parmesan cheese), Garlic

Method

Step One

Firstly, let’s cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 package of linguine pasta, and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, set the pasta aside.

Step Two

While the pasta is cooking, we can prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the 2 cups of shiso leaves, 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 3 cloves of garlic, and 1/2 cup of pine nuts. Pulse the mixture until it is roughly chopped.

Step Three

Add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor and pulse again until combined. Drizzle in the 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil gradually while the food processor is running, and continue to blend until the pesto is smooth. Season it to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step Four

Now we have the pesto sauce ready. It’s time to mix it with our pasta. Drain the pasta and put it back into its pot. Pour over the prepared shiso pesto and gently mix until every strand of pasta is covered with the pesto.

Step Five

It’s time to add in our additional flavors – 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of chopped fruits of your choice like peaches or mangoes. Stir these into the pasta to distribute them evenly.

Step Six

Last but not least, drizzle the whole dish with 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice. This will give a delightful tang and freshness to our Shiso Pesto Pasta.

Step Seven

That’s it! Your Shiso Pesto Pasta is ready to enjoy. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish, packed with herbs and summer flavors. Happy eating!