Go Back
–+ servings
close-up of pesto pasta on a white plate showing the sauce coating the pasta

pesto pasta

A fresh and easy pasta recipe made with basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. This quick pesto pasta is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
rest time 0 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g 10.5 oz Pasta of your choice
  • 2 cups 40–45 g Basil leaves
  • ¼ cup 35 g Pine nuts
  • ½ cup 40 g Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove Garlic crushed
  • ½ cup 120 ml Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Food processor
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions.
  2. Add the basil leaves, pine nuts, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper to a food processor.
  3. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and blend until mostly smooth.
  4. Add the Parmesan cheese and blend again until the pesto is creamy and well combined.
  5. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to a large bowl and spoon in the pesto.
  7. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
  8. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 11gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 215mgPotassium: 213mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 980IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 167mgIron: 2.1mg

Video

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan gives the smoothest pesto texture.
  • Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
  • Walnuts or almonds can replace pine nuts if needed.
  • For extra flavor, finish with more Parmesan and black pepper before serving.
  • This pesto is also great as a spread, dip, or sandwich sauce

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!