How long does it take to make Basil Microgreens Pesto Pasta Delight?
This recipe takes approximately 20 min total.

20 min
· Serves 2
· Updated March 26, 2026
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Basil microgreens are best added fresh as a finishing ingredient. This vibrant pasta dish features a fresh basil microgreens pesto that elevates your weeknight meals with its bold flavors and vibrant color.
This recipe takes approximately 20 min total.
Basil microgreens work best as a fresh finishing ingredient, adding color, texture, and a just-cut flavor that stands out right before serving.
200g spaghetti
1 cup basil microgreens
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine basil microgreens, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency.
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the pesto until fully coated. If needed, add a bit of pasta water to loosen.
Serve warm, garnished with additional basil microgreens and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Basil microgreens carry the recognizable aromatic profile of fresh basil — linalool, eugenol, and other volatile compounds — and are used as a direct 1:1 garnish substitute for fresh basil in small quantities. Dark Opal Basil adds additional anthocyanin-based purple pigmentation.
• Basil and its aromatic relatives contain volatile essential oil compounds studied for flavor, aroma, and culinary stability.
moderate evidence• Essential oil profile in basil microgreens varies by cultivar, with purple basil varieties known for anthocyanin pigmentation.
strong evidence1. Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
2. Microgreens: Production, Shelf Life, and Bioactive Components — Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2017