Pesto Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pesto pasta is packed with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The combination of fragrant basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in the pesto sauce gives the pasta a bright, herbal punch, while the olive oil and pine nuts create a creamy texture that perfectly coats the noodles. It’s a versatile dish—you can serve it with a variety of pastas, add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or even toss in vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach. Best of all, it’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious!

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or your choice)

• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto sauce (recipe below)

• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, for garnish)

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the pesto sauce:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

• 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for variation)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for a citrusy touch)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the pesto sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste. Set aside.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.

3. Combine the pasta and pesto: In a large bowl or the pot you used to cook the pasta, toss the drained pasta with the pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make it creamy.

4. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (if using), and fresh basil leaves for garnish. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Enjoy: Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the pesto is fresh.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10 minutes

• Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables make great additions to this dish. You can also stir in some chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

• Creamy pesto pasta: Add a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt to the pesto sauce for a creamier texture.

• Vegan pesto pasta: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the pesto and pasta vegan.

• Add veggies: Toss in sautéed spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

• Spicy pesto pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto or on top of the pasta for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover pesto pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the pesto sauce, so if it seems too dry, just add a little extra olive oil or pasta water when reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta will work great with pesto.

2. Can I use a store-bought pesto sauce?

Yes, store-bought pesto sauce is a convenient option if you don’t want to make your own. Look for a high-quality brand or choose a pesto made with simple ingredients for the best flavor.

3. How can I make the pesto sauce dairy-free?

To make the pesto dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use nutritional yeast as a substitute. You can also experiment with adding a little extra garlic or lemon juice for flavor.

4. How can I store leftover pesto sauce?

Leftover pesto sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning and storage.

5. Can I use nuts other than pine nuts for pesto?

Yes, you can use walnuts, cashews, or even almonds as a substitute for pine nuts. Each type of nut will give the pesto a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment.

6. How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?

To keep pesto looking vibrant, store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top. You can also add a bit of lemon juice to the pesto to help preserve its color.

7. Can I make pesto pasta ahead of time?

While pesto pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can make the pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just cook the pasta and toss it with the pesto.

8. Can I use spinach or arugula in the pesto instead of basil?

Yes, you can make pesto with spinach, arugula, or other leafy greens. These will alter the flavor slightly but still create a delicious sauce. You can even mix basil with arugula for a unique twist.

9. Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would pair wonderfully with pesto pasta. Just add the protein on top or mix it in with the pasta and pesto.

10. How do I make pesto pasta spicier?

To add a spicy kick to your pesto pasta, mix in some red pepper flakes, or blend a small amount of fresh chili pepper into the pesto sauce. You can also top the pasta with more chili flakes for extra heat.

Conclusion

Pesto pasta is an easy, flavorful, and customizable dish that celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite protein and veggies, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for something fresh, savory, and satisfying. Quick to make and packed with flavor, pesto pasta is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a more elegant meal with friends. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of pesto in every bite!