Looking for a quick, delicious, and vibrant meal? Pesto Pasta is the answer! This Italian classic is packed with the fresh flavors of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, all blended together in a rich, green sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Whether you’re in need of a light lunch, a simple weeknight dinner, or a meal to impress, Pesto Pasta is an all-time favorite that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & Flavorful: The bold flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and cheese come together to create a sauce that’s full of taste.
- Quick to Make: Pesto Pasta is ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 400g pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. - Make the Pesto Sauce
In a food processor or blender, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Toss the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl and toss with the pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. - Garnish & Serve
Serve the pesto pasta topped with more grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper, and a few cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken if desired. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality Parmesan cheese make all the difference in flavor.
- Customize Your Pesto: If you don’t have pine nuts, you can substitute walnuts or almonds. You can also add a little lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Use the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps bind the pesto to the pasta, creating a silky smooth sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
What Makes Pesto Pasta So Special?
Pesto Pasta is the ultimate combination of freshness and simplicity. The vibrant green sauce not only looks beautiful but delivers an intense flavor that’s hard to beat. It’s the perfect dish for summer when basil is in season, but can be enjoyed year-round thanks to its quick preparation and versatile nature. Whether you keep it simple with just pasta and pesto or elevate it with grilled meats and veggies, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Pesto Pasta is proof that sometimes, the best dishes are the simplest. In less than 20 minutes, you can create a meal that’s delicious, healthy, and packed with flavor. Try it out, and feel free to share your own pesto pasta variations with us!