Description
This Pesto Pasta with Mozzarella is a fresh, creamy, and comforting dish made with vibrant basil pesto, tender pasta, and soft mozzarella cubes that gently melt into the sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe delivers authentic Mediterranean flavor using simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g penne or fusilli pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 200 g fresh mozzarella, cubed
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse briefly.
- Slowly pour in olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy.
- Return drained pasta to the pot and toss with pesto. Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a silky sauce.
- Fold in mozzarella cubes while pasta is warm. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use only fresh basil for the best flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or olive oil. You can substitute walnuts for pine nuts and add cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg