Easy Homemade Pesto Pasta (Fresh & Flavorful)

This Pesto Pasta recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet flavor. Featuring a creamy, vibrant pesto sauce made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil, it pairs beautifully with al dente pasta for a quick, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or a comforting lunch, this dish can be made in under 20 minutes. Customize it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies for added protein and nutrients.

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 10 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Cooking Method: Boiling

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean-inspired

Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main course

Difficulty: Beginner

Servings: 4

Estimated Cost: 6

Calories: 410 kcal

Best Season: Summer, Suitable throughout the year

Description

A vibrant and creamy basil pesto sauce tossed with hot pasta and topped with extra Parmesan cheese. It's quick, customizable, and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil leaves (packed)
1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (340g(penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or your favorite))
Salt, for boiling water
Reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup)

Optional Toppings:

More grated Parmesan
Toasted pine nuts
Cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken

Instructions

1
1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2
2. Make the Pesto: While pasta cooks, add basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan to a food processor or blender. Pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.
3
3. Toss and Combine: Return drained pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until evenly coated and glossy.
4
4. Serve: Divide among bowls and top with extra Parmesan, pine nuts, or optional protein. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 410kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 10mg4%
Sodium 180mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 36g12%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 2g
Protein 12g24%

Calcium 130 mg
Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

📦 Storage Notes:

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or enjoy cold as a pasta salad.

Freeze leftover pesto (without the pasta) in ice cube trays and transfer to a bag for up to 3 months.

📝 Notes:

Nut-free option: Substitute sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether.
Dairy-free version: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Add-ins: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, or arugula.

Keywords: pesto pasta, basil pesto recipe, easy pasta dinner, vegetarian pasta, weeknight pasta dish, homemade pesto