Go Back
Overhead close-up of juicy penne pasta coated in vibrant green pesto, topped with fresh basil. Homemade, real texture on a white counter.

Pesto Pasta Recipe

4 from 1 vote
A creamy, vibrant pesto pasta made with fresh basil, parmesan, garlic, and olive oil. Quick, comforting, and loved by the whole family; even picky eaters!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Make Pesto 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Penne pasta Or any medium pasta shape
  • 2 cups Fresh basil leaves Packed washed
  • ⅓ cup Extra virgin olive oil Plus more for drizzling
  • ¼ cup Pine nuts Toasted in dry pan
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh peeled
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese Grated use Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • Salt For pasta water and seasoning
  • Black pepper Freshly ground
  • ½ cup Pasta water Reserved from cooking

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Colander For draining pasta
  • 1 Food processor For blending pesto sauce
  • 1 Measuring cups For pasta water and olive oil
  • 1 Wooden spoon For tossing pasta with pesto

Method
 

  1. Boil pasta until al dente
  2. Toast pine nuts until golden
  3. Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and oil
  4. Stir in parmesan to finish pesto
  5. Toss hot pasta with pesto and pasta water
  6. Adjust seasoning and garnish with basil

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimated using automated tools and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For the most accurate results, please calculate using your specific ingredients.