Name: Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 batch homemade basil pesto (prepared with ⅓ cup olive oil); 12 ounces spaghetti pasta; Sea salt (for pasta water and seasoning); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving); Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Introduction

Easy Pesto Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly with fresh basil pesto and spaghetti. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a light lunch, offering a burst of herbaceous taste with every bite.

A white bowl filled with spaghetti coated evenly in green pesto sauce, topped with finely grated light yellow cheese sprinkled throughout and fresh bright green basil leaves scattered on top. A fork with a wooden handle rests inside the bowl on the right side, twirling some pasta strands. Around the bowl, there is a white marbled surface with a mat of shredded cheese on a white plate to the upper left and a glass of pale yellow liquid to the upper right. A striped blue and white cloth is visible at the bottom left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 recipe homemade basil pesto
12 ounces spaghetti pasta
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the pesto according to your favorite homemade recipe, using ⅓ cup olive oil for a smooth consistency.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 3: Transfer the drained pasta to a large skillet. Add the pesto along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding more pasta water as needed to create a light and creamy sauce. If desired, gently warm the mixture over low heat.
Step 4: Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately topped with freshly grated Parmesan and a generous garnish of fresh basil leaves.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer, swap spaghetti for fettuccine or penne for a different texture.
Add toasted pine nuts or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra brightness and crunch.
Use store-bought pesto to save time, but homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor.
For a vegetarian boost, toss in sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes.

Storage

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A close-up of a round white bowl filled with bucatini pasta coated in a green pesto sauce. The pasta is twisted into loops and topped with fresh bright green basil leaves and white grated cheese, scattered unevenly. On the right edge of the bowl, a fork with a wooden handle rests inside, touching some pasta strands. To the upper right, a glass with a light yellow liquid sits on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a white shallow plate holding more white grated cheese. The image is bright and clear with natural lighting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for pesto pasta?

Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can use penne, fusilli, or fettuccine depending on your preference. The pesto clings well to most pasta shapes.

How do I keep pesto pasta from drying out when reheating?

Reheat the pasta gently over low heat and add a bit of reserved pasta water, olive oil, or a splash of broth to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.