This is the kind of edible recipe that still makes sense even if you forget the infusion is there. Bright basil, lemon zest and salty Parmesan give the sauce enough personality to carry a measured amount of infused olive oil without losing the clean, fresh character of pesto.
Why this recipe works
- Blend the basil briefly so the pesto stays green instead of turning muddy.
- A mix of plain and infused olive oil keeps the sauce silky while making portioning easier to control.
- A splash of starchy pasta water loosens the pesto without burying it under extra oil.
Where the infusion goes
The infused ingredient here is cannabis olive oil. Keep the amount tied to the strength of the infusion you actually have rather than assuming a universal dose. Use the THC potency calculator for the full batch, then divide by the exact yield below.
Herby Cannabis Pesto Pasta
Dose deliberately: potency depends on the strength and amount of your infusion. Calculate the complete batch, divide evenly, label infused food clearly and keep it away from children and pets.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
- 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts
- 1 small garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons plain extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cannabis-infused olive oil, or an amount matched to your calculated batch strength
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Step 1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Step 2. Pulse basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt and pepper in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Step 3. With the machine running, stream in the plain olive oil and infused olive oil until the pesto is cohesive but still textured.
- Step 4. Toss the hot drained pasta with the pesto off the heat. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce clings loosely to the noodles.
- Step 5. Taste for salt and lemon. Divide immediately into 4 equal portions and finish with Parmesan.
Make it better
- Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-shredded cheese does not emulsify as smoothly.
- Do not cook the pesto after adding it to the pasta. Residual heat is enough.
- Add cherry tomatoes or roasted zucchini if you want to turn it into a fuller meal.
Potency and portioning
Infused butter, oil and honey vary widely in strength. Calculate the amount of THC in the infused ingredient you use, then divide that total by the stated yield. If you want a lighter batch, use less infused ingredient and replace the difference with its non-infused equivalent. Mix thoroughly before portioning.
Storage and make-ahead
Refrigerate leftovers airtight for up to 3 days. Loosen cold pasta with a spoonful of warm water before reheating gently.
Questions about Herby Cannabis Pesto Pasta
Can I make pesto without pine nuts?
Yes. Walnuts, almonds or sunflower seeds all work well.
Can I freeze cannabis pesto?
Yes. Freeze the pesto without the Parmesan for up to 2 months, then stir in cheese after thawing.
Why should I keep pesto off direct heat?
Direct cooking dulls the basil and can make Parmesan separate. Tossing with hot pasta is enough.