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Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe

This Easy Pesto Pasta blends linguine tossed with a vibrant green pesto sauce seasoned with salt and black pepper. The pasta is cooked to tender perfection then coated in pesto, with pasta water added to loosen the sauce. It's finished with a generous sprinkling of Pecorino Romano cheese, contributing a sharp, salty contrast. This straightforward approach highlights the fresh herb flavors and creamy texture of the pesto, making it a practical choice for a flavorful yet uncomplicated meal.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 501 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine homemade or dried
  • 1/3 recipe for pesto
  • Pecorino Romano cheese for garnish
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add the pasta to a large pot of boiling water and cook according to the package instructions. For fresh, 2-3 minutes and dry 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and add to a large bowl and place in the pesto along with a 1/3 cup of the pasta water, salt, and pepper and mix until combined.
  3. Garnish with fresh shredded pecorino Romano cheese and serve.

Notes

  • Salt pasta water well to enhance seasoning and prevent sticking.
  • Keep pesto and pasta separate if preparing a day ahead to keep flavors fresh.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of hot water to maintain sauce consistency and prevent separation.
  • Avoid cooking pesto in a hot pan to prevent the basil from turning oily and sauce breaking.
  • Consider adding cooked vegetables or protein to vary the dish's flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories 501kcal (25%) Carbohydrates 86g (29%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 2mg (1%) Sodium 200mg (8%) Potassium 253mg (5%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 417IU (8%) Calcium 57mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 501

% Daily Value*

Calories 501kcal 25%
Carbohydrates 86g 29%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 200mg 8%
Potassium 253mg 5%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 417IU 8%
Calcium 57mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.