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You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinner

Easy Basil Pesto Pasta

By Susie Weinrich · Date May 6, 2021· 2 Comments · May contain affiliate links.

a big bowl of pesto pasta topped with parm cheese
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When fresh basil is abundant there is nothing better than making this Easy Pesto Pasta for dinner. You will be eating in under 30 minutes! Just boil the pasta and blend the basil pesto, give it all a toss and it is time to eat. You can serve it as a side or main dish.

pasta tossed with pesto sauce

It is EXCELLENT served with Chicken Spiedini, which are marinated chicken skewers that are breaded and baked.

If you want a double recipe or ONLY want to make the sauce, check out this recipe for Fresh Basil Pesto.

Table of Contents hide
1 Pesto
2 Ingredients
3 Step by Step Picture Instructions
4 Recipe Tips
5 Related Recipes
6 Did you make this recipe?
7 Easy Basil Pesto Pasta + Video

Pesto

Pesto is a traditional Italian green sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and parmesan. It can also be called Pesto alla Genovese.

It is excellent served with pasta or over chicken, seafood or roasted veggies like Fennel.

Ingredients

You only need a few ingredients to make this Basil Pesto Pasta dinner.

ingredients for pesto pasta

Pasta- Use whatever pasta shape you have, or whatever shape your family likes!

Step by Step Picture Instructions

Start by putting the pasta on to boil. Cook per package instructions.

Pro Tip: pop a measuring cup in your colander and you won’t forget to save some of the starchy cooking water.

In a food processor (or blender) add the garlic and walnuts. Pulse about 20 times.

Add the basil, lemon juice, and salt. Turn the processor on.

pesto in a food processor

Slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube.

Pro Tip: You may need to scrape the sides down so that everything gets blended well.

Toss the warm pasta with the pesto, reserved starchy cooking water, and shredded parmesan.

cooked pasta topped with pesto and parmesan
a skillet with pasta being tossed with pesto

Time to eat!

This recipe is great topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted salmon.

Recipe Tips

  • Put a measuring cup in your colander and you won’t forget to save some of the starchy cooking water.
  • Use extra virgin olive oil for the extra layer of flavor.
a big bowl of pesto pasta topped with parm cheese

Related Recipes

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    Sausage & Pesto Lasagna Skillet
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  • Creamy Mushroom Pasta Recipe in a white bowl
    Super Simple Creamy Mushroom Pasta
  • a mason jar full of homemade marinara sauce
    All-Day Marinara Sauce in Under an Hour

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Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→

Easy Basil Pesto Pasta + Video

A delicious and easy recipe for fresh basil pesto pasta that is ready in under 30 minutes. Just boil the pasta and blend the pesto, toss it all together and it's time to eat!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 671kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Equipment

  • Food Processor or Blender

Ingredients

  • 10-12 oz. linguine, fettucine or spaghetti - cooked per package instructions
  • ½ cup starchy pasta cooking water - reserved
  • ½ cup fresh shredded parmesan cheese

Pesto Sauce

  • 3 fresh garlic cloves
  • 2 tbsp walnuts - raw or unsalted walnuts work great here
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta per package instructions.
    Pro Tip: place a measuring cup in your colander and you won't forget to reserve the starchy pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks make the pesto sauce:
  • In a food processor fitted with the blade add the walnuts and garlic. Pulse about 20 times.
  • Add in the basil, lemon juice, and salt. Turn on the processor and slowly stream in the extra virgin olive oil through the feed tube at the top.
    Pro Tip: you may need to stop and scrape the side down once in a while.
  • Drain the pasta (reserving ½ cup of the water) and place the pasta back in the pot. Pour in the starchy cooking water, pesto, and ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese.
  • Using tongs toss everything together.
  • Give it a taste for additional salt, cheese or lemon.

Recipe Tips and Notes:

To Double the recipe for a crowd, pop over to this Homemade Pesto Recipe!
Top your Basil Pesto Pasta with Chicken Spiedini,  Grilled Chicken or Shrimp! 
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
Jump to Comments
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 671kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 497mg | Potassium: 244mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 732IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 194mg | Iron: 2mg

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About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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  1. Deb says

    July 27, 2021 at 11:45 am

    Can the pasta pesto be frozen and for how long?
    ThCan the pasta pesto be frozen and for how long?anks

    Reply
    • Susie Weinrich says

      July 31, 2021 at 8:49 pm

      I have definitely not tested freezing the cooked pesto on the pasta. You can definitely freeze the pesto and keep it for up to 6 months.
      If you try freezing it on the pasta I would recommend cooking your pasta very al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when you reheat it.

      Reply
a big bowl of pesto pasta topped with parm cheese
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Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

YOU will feel like a huge success at dinner time with any of the simple recipes on Mom’s Dinner! Read More

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