In the summer, I make copious amounts of garlic Basil Pesto. It’s handy to have around. We put it on sandwiches, add it to pizzas, and use it to make Pesto Salmon and Grilled Pesto Chicken Skewers. When it comes to pesto’s highest calling, however, a fresh batch of pesto pasta (and baked Chicken Pesto Pasta) is darn near impossible to beat.
This easy pesto pasta recipe is ready in fewer than 30 minutes, and it tastes like summer manifested on your plate.It won’t heat up your kitchen and combines carb comfort with the brightness and liveliness of vegetables and herbs.
How to Make Pesto Pasta
Eating pesto pasta is a right of summer passage.
By adding fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and spinach, as well as using whole wheat noodles, eating pesto pasta can be healthy and is an absolute pleasure.
Below is a simple vegetarian pesto pasta that we love to enjoy as a meatless main. You can add protein to make pesto pasta with chicken, top it with Grilled Shrimp Seasoning, or serve it alongside Baked Salmon in Foil.
The Ingredients
Whole Wheat Pasta. Using whole wheat pasta is an easy, healthy swap. Whole wheat noodles have more fiber and vitamins than white pasta. I recommend using long pasta noodles like spaghetti or fettuccini (or even penne), as they hold the pesto nicely.Tomatoes. Pesto pasta with tomatoes is absolutely scrumptious! They are summer soulmates. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs wonderfully with the nutty, creamy pesto sauce.Pesto. Deliciously clings to every noodle, ensuring each bite is packed with exuberance.
Lemon Juice. For brightness, balance, and acidity. Red Pepper Flakes. Adds a touch of heat. If you prefer less spice, you can omit them. Greens. Sneak extra greens into your pasta by adding some arugula or spinach. Both greens are rich in vitamins and minerals. Pine Nuts. A finishing sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds texture and makes this dish complete.Parmesan. Because you can never have too much parmesan!
The Directions
Storage Tips
To Store. Refrigerate pasta in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.To Reheat. Rewarm leftovers in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. To Freeze. Freeze pasta in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Add to Pesto Pasta
This easy pesto pasta is a foundational recipe you can enjoy just as it is, or try one of the below pesto pasta ideas:
Seafood Pesto Pasta. Grilled Cod, Pan Seared Salmon, or Air Fryer Shrimp would all be tasty additions. Meat Pesto Pasta. You can’t go wrong by serving this pasta with Baked Bone In Chicken Breast as pesto chicken pasta, Grilled Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Steak, or Stuffed Pork Tenderloin. Veggie Pesto Pasta. Mix Sautéed Mushrooms, Roasted Red Peppers, or Grilled Eggplant into your pasta, or serve them on the side. Pesto Pasta with Bacon. Ready to take your pasta to the next level? Top your finished pasta with the crispy bacon Parmesan breadcrumbs from this Cauliflower Pasta recipe. Or crumble on Oven Baked Bacon or Air Fryer Bacon.
Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
Sauté Pan. Perfect for making this pasta. Citrus Juicer. The only way I’ll juice lemons and limes. Cheese Grater. Grating your own cheese is worth the extra step!
Pesto pasta, a bright, breezy summer recipe to eat and repeat!
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