Pesto pasta is the kind of dish that turns a regular weekday dinner into something special. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. At its core, this dish is made by tossing cooked pasta in a vibrant, herbaceous sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s delicious hot or cold, great for meal prep, and totally customizable. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, pesto pasta is a go-to comfort dish that never fails to impress.
Let’s dive into the details of making this green, garlicky bowl of goodness!
Quick Facts
Here’s a quick look at everything you need to know before getting started.
| Course | Main Dish |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4 |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Calories | 550 kcal per serving |
Equipment Needed
You don’t need fancy tools to make pesto pasta, but the right equipment will make things easier and faster. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Large Pot – To boil the pasta.
- Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
- Food Processor or Blender – To make the pesto sauce smooth and creamy.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Wooden Spoon or Tongs – For mixing the pasta with pesto.
- Knife & Cutting Board – For prepping any toppings or garnishes.
- Serving Bowls – To plate your delicious meal.
Tip: If you don’t have a food processor, a mortar and pestle is the traditional method—just a bit more work.
Ingredients
To keep it classic and flavorful, here’s what you’ll need:
For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a cheaper option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for freshness)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli work great)
- Salt (for pasta water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for boiling)
Optional Add-ins:
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Fresh mozzarella
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to whip up your pesto pasta:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. - Make the Pesto:
In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt and lemon juice if using. - Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, toss the hot pasta with the pesto sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help coat the noodles smoothly. - Serve and Garnish:
Top with more Parmesan, cherry tomatoes, or protein of choice. Serve warm or cold.
Essential Note
Don’t overheat the pesto! Heating fresh basil too much can dull its flavor and turn it bitter. Always add pesto to warm—not boiling hot—pasta. And if you’re meal prepping, store the sauce separately and mix it in just before eating.
