Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare.
Bursting with fresh basil flavor.
Perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Great served hot or cold.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Suitable as a main dish or side dish.

Ingredients

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

For the Pasta

Penne pasta
Salted water for boiling

For the Pesto Sauce

Fresh basil leaves
Garlic cloves
Parmesan cheese, grated
Pine nuts
Extra-virgin olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

Cherry tomatoes
Grilled chicken
Shrimp
Fresh mozzarella pearls
Spinach
Red pepper flakes

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto by combining basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
Pulse until finely chopped.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the pesto becomes smooth.
Transfer the drained pasta to a large serving bowl.
Add the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Add a small amount of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in any desired add-ins such as cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use store-bought pesto for an even quicker meal.
Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Toss in sautéed shrimp for a seafood version.
Include roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
Replace pine nuts with walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds.
Make it creamy by stirring in a splash of heavy cream.
Add fresh mozzarella pearls for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keep extra pesto sauce refrigerated separately if possible.
The flavors often become even more pronounced after a few hours.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.
Microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
This pasta is also delicious served cold as a pasta salad.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto is a convenient option and works very well in this recipe.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne is ideal because its shape holds the pesto beautifully, but fusilli, farfalle, and rotini are also excellent choices.

Can I make pesto without pine nuts?

Absolutely. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds can be substituted.

Can I prepare the pesto ahead of time?

Yes, pesto can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I keep pesto from turning brown?

Cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil and store it in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

What proteins pair well with pesto pasta?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, and even tofu pair wonderfully with pesto.

Can I freeze pesto?

Yes, pesto freezes very well for up to 3 months.

Why is my pesto too thick?

Add a little extra olive oil or reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.

Can I serve Pesto Penne Pasta cold?

Yes, it makes an excellent cold pasta salad for picnics and meal prep.

Conclusion

Pesto Penne Pasta is a timeless recipe that highlights the fresh, vibrant flavors of basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile, it’s a dish that works for everything from simple family dinners to special gatherings. Whether enjoyed on its own or customized with your favorite ingredients, this flavorful pasta is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Pesto Penne Pasta

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Pesto Penne Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish featuring tender penne pasta tossed in a vibrant homemade basil pesto sauce. Fresh herbs, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil create a rich and aromatic meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Boil
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, combine the basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor.
Pulse until finely chopped.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the pesto is smooth.
Transfer the drained pasta to a large serving bowl.
Add the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Add a small amount of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Stir in any desired add-ins such as cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or mozzarella pearls.
Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

Store-bought pesto can be used for a quicker version.
Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds can replace pine nuts.
This pasta is delicious served warm or cold.
Freeze extra pesto for up to 3 months.
Add roasted vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 420 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 16 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg