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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Dinner

    Easy Basil Pesto Pasta

    Published: May 6, 2021 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links. 2 Comments

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    a big bowl of pesto pasta topped with parm cheese
    pinterest image with text

    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

    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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      Super Simple Creamy Mushroom Pasta
    • a mason jar full of homemade marinara sauce
      All-Day Marinara Sauce in Under an Hour

    Susie Weinrich washing produce

    Did you make this recipe?!

    If you make this recipe I would love to hear your review. Pop down to the comment section and connect with me.

    Then sign up for our Weekly Newsletter so you never miss a new recipe!

    Rate This Recipe

    Easy Basil Pesto Pasta

    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 SaveSaved to Grow
    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    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.

    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 try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out 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

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

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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!

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    1. Deb

      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

        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

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