Pesto Pasta Recipe Recipe
This quick pesto pasta recipe is bright, bold, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this delicious weeknight meal is perfect for summer and ready in just 30 minutes!
How to Make the Best Pesto Pasta Recipe
Fresh pesto pasta is one of those recipes that seems fancy but comes together in just 30 minutes. The secret to an incredible pesto is using fresh basil leaves, quality olive oil, and the right balance of parmesan and lemon juice to brighten everything up. This recipe gives you the option to make your own vibrant green pesto from scratch—trust us, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
The key to a silky, restaurant-quality sauce is reserving some of that starchy pasta water before draining. When you toss the hot pasta with pesto and a splash of that golden liquid, it creates a luscious coating that clings to every strand. Adding a touch of butter is optional, but it adds richness that makes this dish feel truly indulgent.
This pesto pasta is perfect as a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough for entertaining. Serve it with a simple salad and crusty bread for a complete meal that celebrates the best of Italian cooking.
Pesto Pasta Recipe
This quick pesto pasta recipe is bright, bold, and packed with flavor. Made with simple ingredients, this delicious weeknight meal is perfect for summer and ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Homemade Pesto
Pasta
Instructions
Make the Pesto
- In a food processor, add garlic, nuts, and olive oil. Pulse until garlic is broken down.
- Add parmesan, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and basil leaves. Pulse to make a textured sauce but not completely smooth.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta to al dente or according to package directions.
- Before draining the pasta into a colander, save 1 cup of pasta water. No need to rinse the pasta.
Combine and Serve
- In a bowl (avoid using the hot pasta pot to mix—the hot pan will turn the pesto dark), combine the cooked pasta with the optional butter and mix to melt.
- Add pesto sauce and ½ cup starchy pasta water, then toss to combine. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side, topped with toasted nuts, grated parmesan, and fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- We recommend doubling the pasta recipe (you won't need to double the pesto) as leftovers are super tasty!
- Use a combination of hemp seeds and pine nuts for a unique flavor profile.
- The pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
