Go Back
Print

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.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Keyword pesto pasta, what goes in pesto pasta
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 3
Author Lata Lala

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  • 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

  • Let's 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.
  • 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.
  • In the same bowl with spaghetti in it, add Basil Pesto Sauce and 1/4 cup of pasta water.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.