0 from 15 votes
Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ready in 20 minutes, this creamy basil pesto pasta recipe is perfect for any occasion. You only need a few ingredients to make this easy pasta recipe.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 411 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mediterranean , Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup pesto more if desired
- Freshly grated parmesan to top optional
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta in salty water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Saute the onion until translucent. Add in the garlic and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the pesto and stir to combine. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup pasta water to the pan and bring it to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to thicken up a bit.
- Add the drained pasta to the pesto sauce and toss to make sure it's well coated. If the pasta looks dry, add more pesto and pasta water.
- Serve warm with grated parmesan.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- I prefer spaghetti for this recipe but other types of pasta including linguine, penne and rigatoni work too.
- You can use my homemade pesto recipe or use store-bought pesto.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a couple tablespoons of water and reheat over medium heat for 10-20 minutes.
- Serve as is or with some grilled chicken, Italian skillet chicken, Mediterranean shrimp or balsamic chicken.
Nutrition Information
Calories
411kcal
(21%)
Carbohydrates
60g
(20%)
Protein
11g
(22%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Cholesterol
2mg
(1%)
Sodium
199mg
(8%)
Potassium
199mg
(6%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
417IU
(8%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
55mg
(6%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 411
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 411kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 60g | 20% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 2mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 199mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 199mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 417IU | 8% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 55mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.