Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Easy Pesto Pasta is a better-than-takeout dinner option that’s ready in just 20 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the secret to the perfect creamy sauce. The fresh basil and garlic make this dish irresistible. Try it with my Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl for a complete meal. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl and Creamy Tuscan Chicken Potato Soup.
Why This Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout taste at home
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Creamy, garlicky pesto sauce
- Customizable with your favorite proteins
What You'll Need for Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Pasta
- Fresh Basil
- Garlic
- Parmesan Cheese
- Pine Nuts
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Optional: Sundried Tomatoes
- Optional: Chicken
- Optional: Shrimp
- Optional: Spinach
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Pine Nuts: Toast them for extra flavor
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated for best results
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Food Processor — Makes quick work of the pesto → See on Amazon
- Pasta Pot — Boils pasta evenly and quickly → See on Amazon
How to Make Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 3: Toss cooked pasta with pesto. Add optional toppings if desired. Serve immediately.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook in the hot pesto.
- Pro tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Pro tip: Save leftover pesto in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for later use.
Storing & Reheating Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: Prepare the pesto up to a day ahead.
Freezing Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Freeze leftover pesto for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for basil for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pesto up to a day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If your pesto is too thick, add more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality Basil — Fresh basil makes all the difference in this dish → Check price on Amazon
Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Pasta
- Fresh Basil
- Garlic
- Parmesan Cheese
- Pine Nuts
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red Pepper Flakes
Optional Toppings
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Chicken
- Shrimp
- Spinach
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until smooth. Add pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Step 3: Toss cooked pasta with pesto. Add optional toppings if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chef tip: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Best substitution: Substitute spinach for basil for a different flavor profile.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the pesto up to a day ahead.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If your pesto is too thick, add more pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover pesto for up to 3 months.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: Prepare the pesto up to a day ahead.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sat. Fat: 6g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Prepare the pesto up to a day ahead. Cook the pasta just before serving.
You may have used old basil or not enough oil. Start with fresh ingredients and adjust the oil to taste.
Yes, but it won't be as fresh or flavorful as homemade. Use high-quality store-bought pesto if you prefer.
Omit the chicken or shrimp, or add your favorite vegetarian protein.
This recipe is best made on the stovetop. The air fryer is not suitable for cooking pasta.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Easy Pesto Pasta: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
