5 Irresistible Pesto Pasta Recipes You'll Love

In the world of culinary delights, pesto pasta stands out as a classic dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds. The unique combination of fresh basil, aromatic garlic, rich pine nuts, and sharp Parmesan cheese, all brought together with the smoothness of olive oil, makes pesto a versatile and beloved sauce. Whether you're a purist or an adventurous cook, these five irresistible pesto pasta recipes are sure to win your heart and possibly become staples in your cooking repertoire.

1. Classic Basil Pesto Linguine

Starting with the basics, Classic Basil Pesto Linguine is as comforting as it gets:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• ¹⁄₂ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ¹⁄₃ cup pine nuts
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

1. Blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add olive oil in a steady stream while blending to emulsify.
2. Cook linguine pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.
3. Toss the pasta with pesto, adding pasta water gradually to achieve desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes:

📍 Note: If pine nuts are not available or too expensive, walnuts can serve as an excellent alternative.

2. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Penne

For a twist on the traditional, try this Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Penne:

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 250g penne pasta

Here’s how to make it:

1. Blend all ingredients except for pasta in a food processor until smooth.
2. Cook penne as directed. Save ¹⁄₂ cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Combine penne with the sun-dried tomato pesto, adjusting consistency with pasta water.
4. Serve warm, garnished with basil leaves.

Notes:

🍅 Note: For a richer flavor, marinate the sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil for a few hours before blending.

3. Lemon Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti

Bring a zesty twist to your dinner with Lemon Pesto Shrimp Spaghetti:

• 1 cup fresh basil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• ¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 250g spaghetti

Preparation steps:

1. Create the pesto by blending basil, lemon zest, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and oil.
2. Cook spaghetti as usual. Keep some pasta water for sauce adjustment.
3. Sauté shrimp in a pan with a bit of oil until they turn pink. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
4. Mix spaghetti with the pesto, add shrimp, and adjust with pasta water.
5. Serve immediately, topped with extra lemon zest.

Notes:

🍋 Note: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice elevates the lemon zest flavor, making the dish zesty and bright.

4. Kale Pesto Fusilli with Chicken

Add some greens to your meal with Kale Pesto Fusilli with Chicken:

• 2 cups of kale leaves, stems removed
• ¹⁄₄ cup walnuts
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• 3 cloves garlic
• ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
• 250g fusilli pasta
• 1 chicken breast, cooked and sliced

To whip this up:

1. Blend kale, walnuts, Parmesan, and garlic, adding olive oil to emulsify.
2. Cook fusilli until al dente. Drain, reserving water.
3. Mix the pasta with kale pesto and chicken, adjust with pasta water.
4. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Notes:

🌱 Note: You can use other leafy greens like spinach or arugula if kale isn’t your favorite.

5. Creamy Cashew Pesto Bowtie Pasta

For a creamy and indulgent option, try Creamy Cashew Pesto Bowtie Pasta:

• 1 cup fresh basil
• ¹⁄₂ cup roasted cashews
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 garlic cloves
• ¹⁄₃ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
• 250g bowtie pasta

Here’s how to make it:

1. Blend basil, cashews, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Stir in heavy cream.
2. Cook bowtie pasta as directed. Save some pasta water.
3. Combine pasta with the creamy cashew pesto, adjusting with pasta water if needed.
4. Serve with a drizzle of cream and chopped cashews on top.

Notes:

🥜 Note: For a vegan-friendly version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.

In wrapping up these pesto pasta recipes, it's clear that pesto's versatility can elevate even the simplest of pasta dishes to new heights of flavor. From the comforting familiarity of classic basil pesto to the innovative twist of sun-dried tomato and kale, these recipes offer something for every palate. Each recipe brings out a unique taste profile while showcasing how pesto can be adapted to incorporate various ingredients like shrimp, chicken, or cashews. By experimenting with these recipes, you'll discover new ways to savor the delightful taste of pesto pasta, making it a beloved meal in your household.

Can I make pesto ahead of time?

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Yes, pesto can be made in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage, just ensure to cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.

What can I do with leftover pesto?

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There are numerous ways to use leftover pesto. You can spread it on sandwiches, mix it with mayonnaise for a flavorful dip, use it as a marinade for meats, or even stir a spoonful into soups for added depth of flavor.

Is there a substitute for pine nuts in pesto?

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Absolutely, you can use walnuts, almonds, cashews, or even sunflower seeds. Each nut will give a slightly different flavor but can be just as delicious in pesto.