Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta with a vibrant, herbaceous basil pesto sauce. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers bold taste and bright color in every bite—perfect for weeknights or entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Uses fresh, simple ingredients
• No cooking required for the sauce
• Customizable with add-ins like chicken or veggies
• Ideal for meal prep or quick lunches

ingredients

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

• Pasta (penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
• Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• Reserved pasta water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, arugula, spinach, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, pine nuts

directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Return the drained pasta to a large bowl (not the hot pot).
3. Add pesto and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat, adding more water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in optional add-ins like cherry tomatoes, greens, or cooked chicken.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan, lemon zest, or pine nuts if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 10–15 minutes
• Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein
• Use spinach or arugula pesto instead of basil
• Stir in cream or cream cheese for a richer sauce
• Add roasted vegetables or sun-dried tomatoes
• Top with chili flakes or lemon zest for extra flavor

storage/reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce
• Not ideal for freezing, as pesto can discolor and separate

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, but taste and adjust with lemon or salt as needed.

2. Why reserve pasta water?

It helps emulsify the pesto and coat the pasta evenly.

3. What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne and fusilli hold sauce well, but any pasta works.

4. Can I make it vegan?

Yes—use a vegan pesto and skip Parmesan or replace with nutritional yeast.

5. How do I make it creamy?

Add a spoonful of cream cheese or heavy cream to the sauce.

6. Can I serve it cold?

Yes, it makes a great cold pesto pasta salad.

7. Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable.

8. How can I make it more filling?

Add protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.

9. How do I brighten the flavor?

Add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of lemon zest.

10. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—try cherry tomatoes, spinach, arugula, or zucchini.

Conclusion

Pesto Pasta is a versatile and satisfying dish that brings together the freshness of basil, the richness of Parmesan, and the comfort of pasta. With endless ways to customize it and minimal effort required, it’s a delicious go-to for any day of the week.

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