Go Back

Pesto Pasta

Pesto pasta is simple to make and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together in just 15 minutes. Use any pasta, and add as much pesto sauce as you like. Enjoy topped with plenty of Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 people
Calories 2192.3 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Frying Pan For sautéing onions
  • 1 Large Bowl For tossing the pasta
  • 1 Colander or Strainer For draining pasta
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 16 ounce package pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 ½ tablespoons pesto or more to taste
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer into a large bowl. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, about 3 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Stir in pesto, salt, and pepper until warmed through. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
  • Add pesto mixture to hot pasta; stir in grated cheese and toss well to coat. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Notes

1. Pasta cooking: Always cook pasta to al dente; it should be tender with a slight bite. Reserving a cup of pasta cooking water can be beneficial; a splash can help emulsify the pesto sauce and create a richer, smoother coating on the pasta if it appears too dry. 2. Pesto quality: The quality of your pesto will define this dish. Opt for fresh, high-quality basil pesto, or ideally, make your own. 3. Enhancements: Consider adding blanched green beans, cherry tomatoes, or toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the entire dish. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a significant difference compared to pre-grated.