Go Back

Recipe by:

Dana Ramsey

Easy Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes

A quick and delicious pesto pasta recipe made with fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan, ready in just 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Pesto
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed stems removed
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ⅓ cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, peeled
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Group: Pasta
  • 12 ounces pasta of your choice such as orecchiette or farfalle

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Large pot
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Make the pesto by blending basil, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor, then slowly drizzling in the olive oil until smooth.
  2. Add grated Parmesan to the processor and pulse until combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
  4. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking water. Toss the hot pasta with the pesto, adding reserved water as needed for consistency.
  5. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.

Notes

This recipe is versatile; feel free to add seasonal vegetables or use different nuts in the pesto!