Pesto Pasta
This pesto pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Toss your favorite pasta with basil pesto — or try one of the variations like creamy pesto or adding chicken or salmon. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that always hits the spot.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta shape cooked al dente
- 1 cup basil pesto sauce* for a fresh herbaceous coating
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts for crunch and nutty flavor
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving to add a salty finish
- crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a hint of heat
- chopped fresh basil optional, for a bright, aromatic garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander (do not rinse). Transfer the drained pasta to a clean bowl or pot, not the hot cooking pot.
- Add about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to the pasta, then gradually stir in the pesto sauce a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. If the sauce is too thick or doesn't coat the pasta evenly, add more pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time until the texture is smooth and well combined.
- Serve the pesto pasta topped with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and some chopped fresh basil for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
This pesto recipe yields the perfect amount to coat the pasta evenly in the pesto pasta dish.