Easy Pesto Pasta is a bright and flavorful dish that combines al dente pasta with a fragrant basil pesto sauce. It’s quick to make and full of fresh, herby taste with just the right touch of garlic and Parmesan. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this meal comes together in under 20 minutes and can be served warm or cold.
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
2. Ingredients
-
12 oz pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
-
2 cups fresh basil leaves
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
⅓ cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
-
2 cloves garlic
-
½ cup olive oil
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for freshness)
3. Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 2: Make the Pesto
In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl or pan. Toss with pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Mix until evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve
Divide into bowls and top with extra Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed pine nuts. Serve immediately.
4. Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 420
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 12g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 210mg
5. Tips
-
Toast pine nuts lightly in a pan before blending for deeper flavor.
-
If basil isn’t available, use spinach or arugula for a twist.
-
Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
-
Leftover pesto can be stored in a jar topped with olive oil in the fridge for up to a week.
