14 Best Pesto Pasta Recipes

Creamy Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes

This velvety pasta dish combines the richness of a creamy pesto sauce with the sweetness of oven-roasted tomatoes.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 cup pesto sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 20 minutes.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions and drain.
4. In a saucepan, combine pesto sauce and heavy cream, heating until slightly thickened.
5. Toss the pasta with the sauce and roasted tomatoes before serving.

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta

Brighten up your pasta night with this zesty Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, lemon zest, and juice until smooth.
3. Gradually add olive oil while blending.
4. Toss cooked pasta with the lemon basil pesto and season with salt and pepper.

Spinach Walnut Pesto Pasta

This hearty dish combines spinach and walnuts for a unique twist on traditional pesto.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine spinach, walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
3. Gradually add olive oil until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the pasta before serving.

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Enjoy a creamy, dairy-free pesto using avocado as a base for this delicious pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a blender, mix avocado, basil, pine nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta

This recipe adds sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, tangy twist on traditional pesto pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend sun-dried tomatoes, basil, Parmesan, and pine nuts.
3. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.

Arugula Almond Pesto Pasta

A peppery twist with arugula and almonds offers a refreshing take on classic pesto.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cups arugula
• 1/2 cup toasted almonds
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine arugula, almonds, garlic, and Parmesan.
3. Gradually add olive oil until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the pasta before serving.

Broccoli Pesto Pasta

Sneak in some greens with this healthy and delicious broccoli pesto pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. Blanch broccoli florets in boiling water for 3 minutes then drain.
3. In a blender, combine broccoli, basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil until smooth.
4. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.

Kale Pesto Pasta

A superfood twist, this kale pesto pasta is both nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 cups chopped kale leaves
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 garlic clove
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine kale, walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
3. Gradually add olive oil until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the pasta before serving.

Mint Pesto Pasta

Fresh mint and almonds make this an ideal light and refreshing summer pasta dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/4 cup almond slices
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend mint leaves, almonds, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
3. Gradually add olive oil until smooth and season with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta

Roasted red peppers add a smoky sweetness to this vibrant pesto pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta
• 2 roasted red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend roasted peppers, basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
3. Gradually add olive oil until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. Toss the pesto with the cooked pasta.