Easy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe | Pesto pasta recipe | Recipe to make Basil Pesto Pasta with step by step instructions

Ditch the store-bought sauces and whip up a fresh and made in a jiffy this easy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe known for it’s herby flavors and versatility.

It’s bright, creamy, and packed with nutrients turns out so amazing every single time.

This easy-to-make recipe is a quick and fresh pasta dish made by tossing cooked pasta with homemade Basil Pesto Sauce.

The ingredients required are fresh basil leaves, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pinenuts and parmesan cheese.

My this version of making pasta uses a simple homemade pesto sauce and comes together in about 30 minutes.

Easy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe from scratch

Making sauces from scratch might look tedious but actually it’s so simple.

I have always preferred making sauces and dips from scratch like Tamarind chutney, Vegan crema fresca, Best Tzatziki dip, Guacamole , Homemade hummus, Baba ganoush, Homemade Thai red curry paste and Homemade pizza sauce.

Amongst all, Pesto is one of my favorite sauces similar to Green chutney and i use this to make pasta, sandwiches and pizza as it is so much more fresh and flavorful than store-bought.

Pesto sauce, so versatile !!

Traditionally, the pesto is made with pine nuts, you may swap that with walnuts, cashews or almonds or pistachios or macadamia nuts too.

Moreover,  this sauce is perfect as spread for sandwiches or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients list and their substitution

The pesto is incomplete without these ingredients, however you may always use the other substitution.

Basil : 

Fresh basil is an essential ingredient to make this recipe. I never swap this with any other option. However you may go with  parsley, arugula or kale.

Nuts:

Pine nuts are the original choice to make Pesto. But now a days almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans, walnuts or macadamia nuts are preferred choice.

Olive Oil:

I prefer to use best quality extra virgin olive oil and i suggest not to use any other oil.

Parmesan Cheese:

Another must ingredient is Parmesan cheese which is generally mixed into the sauce. If vegan or vegetarian you may choose the cheese accordingly.

Pasta:

I have used spaghetti pasta, however you may use any shape of pasta.

Love Pasta? Do try these my flavorful pasta recipes-

White sauce pasta (with oats)

Red sauce pasta

Make-Ahead and how to store:

If you decide to make pesto sauce ahead of time and use later on, store in an airtight container and cover it with a thin layer of oil to prevent oxidation.

The pesto will last in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Recipe Card 🔽

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Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe

Ditch the store-bought sauces and whip up a fresh and made in a jiffy this easy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe known for it's herby flavors and versatility. It's bright, creamy, and packed with nutrients, turns out so amazing every single time.

Download Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 3

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Basil Pesto Sauce

For cooking pasta

• 2 cups/200 grams Spaghetti
• 5 to 6 cups water or add as required
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tsp Oil

For garnish

• 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese grated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp Lemon juice optional

Method

 

1. As i have already made Basil Pesto Sauce so I am going to use this to make pasta. If you haven't already made it, then first prepare sauce and then move to another step.

For cooking pasta

1. Let's begin with boiling the water to make pasta. Bring pot of water to boil. Add salt and oil.
2. Once the water starts to boil, add pasta. Stir at regular intervals. Cook till it's  Al-dente. Once done drain excess water through colander.
3. You can also reserve this water to adjust the consistency of the pasta later.
4. Immediately transfer pasta to a bowl. If you mix the pesto sauce in a hot pan, it will turn your pesto sauce into dark color.
5. In the same bowl with spaghetti in it, add Basil Pesto Sauce and 1/4 cup of pasta water.
6. Toss the cooked pasta well in pesto, adding more water if required. This additional step will make the pasta more saucy and silky in texture, rather than dry and sticky.
7. Taste, adjust the salt and pepper as per your liking. Serve this delicious pasta garnished with fresh parmesan cheese. One of my favourite things to squeeze some lemon juice on top.
8. Enjoy......

Notes

1. For making pesto pasta you may use fusilli pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, farfalle or rigatoni.

2. Word of caution - never reheat leftovers stored the fridge. Instead bring it to room temperature and consume.

3. This recipe of pesto pasta is made with Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce which i have shared earlier on the blog. But If you are using readymade/store-bought pesto sauce then use 3/4 cup or less.

Step by step instructions and pictorial presentation to make Easy Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe

As i have already made Basil Pesto Sauce so I am going to use this to make pasta. If you haven’t already made it, then first prepare sauce and then move to another step.

Lets begin with boiling the water to make pasta. Bring pot of water to boil. Add salt and oil.

Once the water starts to boil, add pasta. Stir at regular intervals. Cook till it’s  Al-dente. Once done drain excess water through colander.

You can also reserve this water to adjust the consistency of the pasta later.

Top tips

1. For making pesto pasta you may use fusilli pasta, macaroni, spaghetti, farfalle or rigatoni.

2. Word of caution – never reheat leftovers stored the fridge. Instead bring it to room temperature and consume.

3. This recipe of pesto pasta is made with Homemade Basil Pesto Sauce which i have shared earlier on the blog. But If you are using readymade/store-bought pesto sauce then use 3/4 cup or less.

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