5.0 from 3 votes
Best Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
20 minute pesto pasta! Yes, please! Nothings beats this fresh authentic Italian basil pesto for a quick and healthy meal. An easy weeknight meal you will come back to time and time again.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Calories: 808 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta of your choice (such as trofie, spaghetti, linguine, or penne) 450g
Basil Pesto:
- 4 tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 garlic cloves peeled and quartered
- 4 packed cups sweet Italian basil leaves picked, thick stems removed
- ½ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil add as needed if consistency is too thick
- ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated
- ¼ cup pecorino romano grated
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the pesto: Combine the pinenuts, garlic cloves, and basil leaves in a food processor or blender. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Add the cheeses and olive oil: Add the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses to the food processor. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine the pesto and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the freshly prepared pistachio pesto until well coated. If the pesto is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out and help it adhere to the pasta.
- Serve: Divide the pesto-coated pasta among serving plates or bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Serve immediately, and enjoy your authentic Italian basil pesto pasta!
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Use high-quality, authentic Italian ingredients, such as Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano cheeses and extra virgin olive oil from Italy.
- For the perfect texture, cook the pasta al dente, as is traditional in Italian cuisine.
- Toss the pasta with the pesto before serving to ensure fresh and vibrant flavors.
- Garnish with additional cheese and chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Calories
808kcal
(40%)
Carbohydrates
88g
(29%)
Protein
23g
(46%)
Fat
41g
(63%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
7g
Monounsaturated Fat
23g
Cholesterol
15mg
(5%)
Sodium
865mg
(36%)
Potassium
407mg
(12%)
Fiber
4g
(16%)
Sugar
4g
(8%)
Vitamin A
1393IU
(28%)
Vitamin C
5mg
(6%)
Calcium
286mg
(29%)
Iron
3mg
(17%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4-6 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 808
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 808kcal | 40% |
| Carbohydrates | 88g | 29% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 41g | 63% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7g | 41% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 23g | 115% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 865mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 407mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1393IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 286mg | 29% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.