...
Go Back
–+ servings
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

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!
4 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Make Pesto: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 480kcal
Cost: 8 $

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)

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

Instructions 

  • Boil pasta until al dente
  • Toast pine nuts until golden
  • Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, and oil
  • Stir in parmesan to finish pesto
  • Toss hot pasta with pesto and pasta water
  • 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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 480kcal (24%) | Carbohydrates: 50g (17%) | Protein: 11g (22%) | Fat: 25g (38%) | Saturated Fat: 4.5g (28%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 10mg (3%) | Sodium: 190mg (8%) | Potassium: 210mg (6%) | Fiber: 3g (13%) | Sugar: 2g (2%) | Vitamin A: 750IU (15%) | Vitamin C: 6mg (7%) | Calcium: 120mg (12%) | Iron: 2.1mg (12%)