Description
Quick Pesto Pasta is a fresh, vibrant, and easy 20-minute meal made with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and toasted pine nuts. This simple homemade pesto sauce coats warm pasta beautifully, creating a creamy and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or summer gatherings. It’s light, comforting, and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
- Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Optional: 1 cup grilled chicken slices
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
- Pulse a few times, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while blending until smooth and creamy.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Return the hot drained pasta to the pot and add the pesto sauce.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss well until the pasta is evenly coated and silky.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken if using.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
Use only fresh basil for the brightest flavor. Always reserve pasta water to help create a smooth sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently. You can freeze pesto separately in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: B
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg