Description
A simple and flavorful JUICY Pesto Pasta recipe that uses homemade pesto to create a silky, saucy pasta dish. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, this recipe highlights the freshness of pesto combined with perfectly cooked pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 300 – 350 g / 10 – 12 oz pasta of choice (ziti, penne, spaghetti)
- 2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
Pesto Sauce
- 1 quantity homemade pesto (see Note 1)
For Serving
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. This helps season the pasta while cooking.
- Cook Pasta: Add your choice of pasta to the boiling salted water and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Just before draining the pasta, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. This starchy water will help create a silky sauce.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit for a minute to release some steam but do not rinse.
- Mix Pasta and Pesto: Transfer the hot pasta to a mixing bowl (not back to the pot, to avoid excess heat). Add the homemade pesto and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. Add more pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, silky, and saucy texture rather than dry or sticky.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the pesto pasta and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the pesto pasta immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Note 1: Homemade pesto is best made fresh with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil, but store-bought pesto can be used as an alternative.
- Note 2: Ziti, penne, and spaghetti work wonderfully with this pesto pasta, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
- The reserved pasta cooking water is key to achieving a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: pesto pasta, homemade pesto, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, Italian pasta recipe, quick dinner
