Pesto Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that celebrates the fresh, vibrant flavors of basil pesto. The rich combination of basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil tossed with al dente pasta makes for a perfect meal in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, refreshing dish for lunch, Pesto Pasta is an easy and delicious option.
Why You’ll Love Pesto Pasta
Here’s why Pesto Pasta is a favorite for pasta lovers:
- Fresh and Vibrant: The homemade pesto sauce bursts with fresh basil flavor, complemented by garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.
- Customizable: Pesto Pasta pairs well with a variety of add-ins, like cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients for Pesto Pasta
This Classic Pesto Pasta recipe uses a few simple ingredients to create a fresh and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan and fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Make the pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the pasta: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the fresh pesto sauce, adding a little reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if needed. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve and garnish: Divide the pasta among plates and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy immediately!
Why You’ll Love Pesto Pasta
Pesto Pasta is a refreshing, herbaceous dish that’s light yet satisfying. Here’s why this dish is so popular:
- Herbaceous and Garlicky: The fresh basil and garlic give this dish a vibrant, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with al dente pasta.
- Quick and Simple: Pesto Pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights or quick lunches.
- Versatile: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to make this dish more filling and customize it to your liking.
Pesto Pasta Variations to Try
While Classic Pesto Pasta is delicious as is, here are some variations you can try:
- Pesto Pasta with Chicken: Add grilled or roasted chicken for a heartier, protein-packed meal.
- Creamy Pesto Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Pesto Veggie Pasta: Add roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a veggie-packed version.
Conclusion
Pesto Pasta is a fresh and flavorful Italian dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its vibrant basil pesto sauce and tender pasta, this dish is a light yet satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Whether you keep it simple or add your favorite proteins and veggies, Pesto Pasta is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the bold, fresh flavors of homemade pesto!