The best pesto pasta I’ve ever had.

Monterey
2025/1/16 Edited to

... Read morePasta is a beloved dish worldwide, and when combined with fresh, vibrant pesto, it creates a culinary experience that delights the senses. To achieve the best pesto pasta, it’s crucial to use high-quality ingredients. Start with fresh basil leaves, which are essential for authentic pesto. The nutty flavor of pine nuts or walnuts, combined with sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, complements the basil beautifully. For the pasta, opt for types that hold sauce well, like fusilli or trofie. Cooking the pasta al dente ensures a perfect texture that pairs beautifully with the pesto. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! Adding a splash of this starchy liquid to your pesto enhances its creaminess and helps it cling to the pasta. For additional flavor, consider adding garlic directly into your pesto or sautéing it lightly before mixing. Experiment with variations too, such as sun-dried tomatoes or arugula in your pesto for unique twists. Enjoy your dish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for a restaurant-quality finish. Enjoy creating your own best pesto pasta experience!

Related posts

The BEST Grilled Cheese Sandwich I’ve ever had!
If you love pesto you’ll love these pesto grilled cheese sandwiches. They’re quick, easy, inexpensive and delicious. Great for lunch or dinner – or just a snack. •Bread •Pesto •Cheeses •Butter •Additional toppings #grilledcheese #sandwich #summerrecipes #dinnerideas #quickdinner
Tamara J

Tamara J

4171 likes

A hand holds a clear glass bowl filled with a vibrant pesto pasta salad, featuring fusilli pasta, fresh arugula, sliced tomatoes, and shaved cheese. The text 'PESTO PASTA SALAD' is overlaid.
Various Trader Joe's ingredients for pesto pasta salad are laid out on a white counter: arugula, parmesan/romano/asiago cheeses, kale/cashew/basil pesto, Marzano tomatoes, and organic brown rice and quinoa fusilli pasta.
A hand holds a bag of Trader Joe's Organic Brown Rice & Quinoa Fusilli Pasta, with text indicating to cook the pasta as a healthier choice.
easy lunch ~ pesto pasta salad
what you need from #traderjoes : arugala parmesan, romano, asiago cheeses vegan kale, cashew, and basil pesto tomatoes organic brown rice and quinoa fusilli pasta #pastasaladrecipe #traderjoemeals #healthyrecipes #mealprepideas
Ash

Ash

1061 likes

10 min: Basil Pesto Pasta
I think this is the best basil pesto pasta I’ve ever made thus far… * 180-200g uncooked pasta * 2-3 tbsp olive oil * 2-3 clove thinly sliced garlic (optional for garnishing) * 1-2 cup pasta water * 3-4 tbsp pesto Pesto sauce: * 2 cup fresh basil leaves * 2–3 cloves garlic * 1/4 cup
Aki | 🍱🇯🇵 Food + Lifestyle

Aki | 🍱🇯🇵 Food + Lifestyle

36 likes

Creamy Lemon Pesto Pasta🍋🌿
Add this to your summer dinner rotation asap! This dish is both creamy, light, and citrusy bringing allllll the citrus girl feels💛 -pasta of your choice -protein of choice (pairs great with chicken or salmon! i did salmon for my dinner but did chicken sausage for my work week meal prep) -1 to
Haze 🪼

Haze 🪼

470 likes

30 Minute Creamy Pesto Pasta
One of my favorite healthy meal ideas; pesto pasta! This is an easy dinner recipe that is also a healthy meal idea. Details below! Ingredients Pesto • 2 cups fresh basil • 1 cup fresh parsley • 2/3 cups cashews • 1 cup Parmesan • 1/4 cup lemon juice • 1 1/2 tsp salt (adjustto taste)

953 likes

This Pesto Pasta Salad is pure summer magic!
Bright, fresh, and loaded with flavor—ready in under 20 minutes. A staple for BBQs, lunches, or easy dinners 🤩 📌 SAVE this recipe ✨ What You Need: Pesto: ✔️ ⅓ cup pine nuts ✔️ 4 garlic cloves ✔️ ½ cup grated Parmesan ✔️ 2 ½ cups fresh basil ✔️ Juice of ½ lemon ✔️ ¾ cup olive oil ✔️ Salt &
Lauren Allen: Easy Recipes

Lauren Allen: Easy Recipes

365 likes

🥗 Creamy Burrata Pesto Pasta Salad
This ain’t your average pasta salad 🥗✨ Cold, creamy, refreshing… and yes—this is the final episode of the pasta series 🥺🤍 We had to end it right: burrata + basil pesto, something light but still packed with flavor 🧀🌿 From the rich, cozy pastas to fresh bowls like this… thank you for being
Seafood Network

Seafood Network

5 likes

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta 🍗🧀
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta * delicious weeknight dinner idea quick Ingredients:- - chicken breast (1 sliced in half) - Salt - Black pepper - Onion powder - Paprika - Italian seasoning - Crushed red pepper flakes - Oil *cook on medium heat for 6-8mins each side Sauce: - 2 tbsp butter -
dabrionnecherry

dabrionnecherry

268 likes

Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken
Pasta with Spinach Pesto and Grilled Chicken Yield: 4 servings Ingredients: 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice) 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken) 1 pound (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts Salt and pepper, to taste 2 cups fresh spinach leaves 1/2 cup fr
Amanda Miko

Amanda Miko

465 likes

A white bowl filled with grilled chicken pesto pasta, featuring fusilli pasta, grilled chicken slices, pesto sauce, and grated cheese. The image has a text overlay that reads "GRILLED CHICKEN PESTO PASTA."
A white bowl of grilled chicken pesto pasta, with fusilli, chicken, pesto, and grated cheese. Green foliage is visible in the background. A text overlay states, "Pretending I'm in Italy with my lil olive tree lol."
A close-up view of a white bowl containing grilled chicken pesto pasta. The dish features fusilli pasta, grilled chicken slices, green pesto sauce, and a topping of grated cheese.
🌞Grilled Chicken Pesto Pasta🌞
Happy Saturday night! It feels like summer this evening, I love it. We had a tasty barbecue chicken pesto pasta for dinner. Yummy, light, and healthy! It is a cost effective meal too. We both love Trader Joe's and Costco lol. Ingredients 2 Chicken breasts (Costco pack) Chicken seasonings:
Alaina

Alaina

487 likes

The only pesto recipe you’ll ever need
Pesto Recipe: 1.5 cup Fresh Basil Leaves packed 1 cup Arugula packed 1/3 cup Pine Nuts 1/4 cup Cashews (or 1/3 cup parmesan cheese) 1 Lemon, zested and juices about 1-2 tbsp lemon juice 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil, plus more if desired 4 Garlic Cloves 1/4 tsp Sea Salt 1/4 tsp Freshly Gr
CapriLilly

CapriLilly

280 likes

the best basil pesto pasta (summer recipe) 🌿✨
Sharing 5 of my all time favorite pasta recipes! These are all delicious, family tested weekly staples that are easy to make. Ep # 2: Basil Pesto Pasta 🌿✨ - 8 ounces pasta - Few tablespoons basil pesto (recipe down below👇🏼) - Pasta water - Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil to garnish
Hanna👩🏽‍🍳

Hanna👩🏽‍🍳

187 likes

A close-up shot of fusilli pasta generously coated in vibrant green spinach pesto, with the text "QUICK DINNER spinach pesto pasta" overlaid.
Various ingredients for spinach pesto, including fresh basil, pistachios, grated cheese, a lemon, olive oil, and baby spinach, arranged on a white surface, with "INGREDIENTS" text.
A food processor bowl filled with fresh basil, spinach, pistachios, grated cheese, and olive oil, ready for blending, with text "Easy to make - all done in a food processor or blender!".
QUICK DINNER: SPINACH PESTO PASTA
This Spinach Pesto Sauce with Pistachios is healthy, delicious and extremely easy to make. It is the perfect sauce to have with your favorite pasta. INGREDIENTS 3 cups baby spinach 1 cup fresh basil 1/4 cup pistachios, roasted 4 tbsp grated pecorino cheese 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 cup wat
Jes

Jes

388 likes

Pea Pesto Rigatoni 🍽 Easy Pasta recipe!
Instead of the traditional basil sauce, I’ve used peas as the base instead along with parsley, walnuts, Parmesan, garlic, EVOO, salt & pepper. The sweetness from the peas adds so much to this dish and also extra protein!!!👌and for the pasta I went with rigatoni because I looove how the hollow c
Sikfan Kitchen

Sikfan Kitchen

5 likes

🍝 20-Minute Creamy Pesto Chicken & Shrimp Pasta
This is your sign to stop overpaying for pasta 👀🍝 Creamy pesto sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and buttery shrimp all wrapped around silky pasta… made right in your kitchen in 20 minutes. Restaurant-style comfort, made at home. Always. Full written recipe is now live on Substack! Link i
Seafood Network

Seafood Network

9 likes

Raw Vegan Pesto Kelp Pasta Recipe 🧘🏽‍♀️☀️
Click link in bio to start your health journey and sign up for me email list to be the first to know when my recipe e-book releases! 🌿📕 Nourish your womb with raw, vibrant flavors ✨ Raw Mushroom Pesto Pasta Recipe ingredients: • kelp noodles (soaked for an hour) – optional • 1 cup portobell
Originalhaileejay

Originalhaileejay

630 likes

Protein Pesto Pasta W/ 
Chicken & Asparagus
Healthy Protein Lemon Pesto Pasta With Grilled Chicken & Asparagus 🍋🌿 @Lemon8 Food https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/protein-pesto-pasta-with-chicken-asparagus/ 🌿This Protein Pesto Pasta is a family staple! It is veggie & protein loaded and bursting with flavor! The hin
Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

1967 likes

The Best Creamy Pesto Pasta
The best creamy pesto pasta! So good and easy to make! Makes 6 servings. Ingredients: - 2 chicken breast - 1lb spinach - Half a box of pasta - 2 cups of milk - 2 tbsp butter - 2 tbsp flour - 1/2 cup parmesan - 1/4 cup pesto - salt and pepper Instructions: - Cut and season c
maeveriona03

maeveriona03

20 likes

Pesto Grilled Cheese & Creamy Tomato Soup✨
For the sandwich: Sliced bread of your choice🍞 Fresh Pesto is best, other options are available in the pasta aisle🙂 Sliced fresh mozzarella Tomato - whatever kind you prefer, I used Roma because that’s what I have🍅 For the soup: A can of tomato soup🥫 Milk🥛 Shredded cheese of your choose -
Kimberley Star

Kimberley Star

974 likes

Make Amazing Avocado Pesto Pasta With Me!
Let’s talk about Avocado Pesto! 🌟🥑 It’s become my go-to for adding a burst of flavor to just about everything—pasta, sandwiches, wraps, pizzas, you name it. But what do I love most? Its creamy texture and vibrant taste elevate every dish to gourmet status. Seriously, it turns even the simplest meal
pbonabudget

pbonabudget

42 likes

PESTO PASTA 🌿🍅🍝
The perfect dinner that is easy to make and delicious. If you're cooking for one or two, you'll have plenty of leftovers to enjoy during the week as well. Let's talk about what you need to make this delicious dish! Ingredients - your favorite pasta (i typically use a chickpea pa
Jes

Jes

303 likes

Easy Meal ~ Chicken Pesto Pasta
Need a meal idea? This chicken pesto pasta is a great meal and quite easy to make! I like to serve it with toast but that’s optional Ingredients: 1 pound chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt & pepper 8 ounces penne pasta 2 tablespoons oil 1/2 cup hea
wvw

wvw

102 likes

A bowl of creamy 5 cheese tortellini coated in Alfredo pesto sauce, featuring visible green specks from the pesto. The pasta is served in a decorative bowl.
5 Cheese Tortellini Alfredo Pesto Pasta
#learn how to make this pasta 🍝 #pesto #alfredosauce #tortellinirecipes #pastarecipes 2 Bags of the 5 cheese tortellini (boil 5 min) Alfredo Pesto Sauce: 1/2 stick of unsalted butter 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 quart of heavy cream Grated Parmesan cheese (add to your liking) Bl
𝓙𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓮❥

𝓙𝓪𝓬𝓴𝓲𝓮❥

82 likes

Caprese Pasta Salad with an Easy Homemade Pesto
If you want to make something that everyone will enjoy you should prepare this Caprese pasta salad. The recipe is influenced by the classic Caprese salad that is well known and loved. To change it up I used cooked farfalle pasta as the base of the salad. Ingredients For the salad 8 oz dry, unc
TheFoodKooky

TheFoodKooky

17 likes

Pesto & Ricotta Pasta
#pasta #recipes #dinnerideas #pastarecipe #fyp
HopeAppetit FOOD•RECIPES

HopeAppetit FOOD•RECIPES

157 likes

PESTO PASTA SALAD 🌿🍝
This Pesto Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Parmesan is the perfect easy dinner with tons of leftovers. It is quick to make and uses simple and nutritious ingredients. INGREDIENTS 16 oz bite size rigatoni pasta 8 oz pesto 3 cups arugula 1 cup sun dried tomatoes 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup sha
Jes

Jes

33 likes

A plate of vibrant green kale and spinach pesto pasta with grated cheese and sliced sumac baked chicken, ready to eat. Fresh kale and spinach are visible in the background, along with a bottle of olive oil.
A hand holds a blender cup filled with fresh ingredients for pesto, including kale, spinach, basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt, ready for blending.
A blender actively processes the green pesto ingredients, transforming them into a smooth, vibrant mixture. The blender's control panel shows it's in operation.
this healthy pesto pasta will surprise you! 🤩
I had to get my hands on a pesto that didn’t have any garlic, lemon or heavy seasoning for acid reflux purposes. So i had to make it myself. And i am sooo glad I did. This flavorful, veggie fueled pesto pasta was a hit for dinner tonight even my 5 year old asked for seconds. We had it with my f
mo 🧿

mo 🧿

45 likes

Protein Pesto Pasta W/ Chicken & Asparagus 🍝
Protein Pesto Pasta With Grilled Chicken & Asparagus 🍋🌿 👉👉https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/protein-pesto-pasta-with-chicken-asparagus/ 🌿This Protein Pesto Pasta is a family staple! It is veggie & protein loaded and bursting with flavor! The hint of lemon is so refreshing for S
Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

94 likes

A hand holds a clear bowl of creamy shrimp and mussel pesto pasta, featuring mussels in their shells, shrimp, and spinach. The text promotes it as an easy dinner idea and meal prep option.
Mussels are shown steaming and cooking in a light-colored saucepan, with some shells slightly open. The text instructs to steam and cook mussels, then remove them from heat.
A hand uses a knife to slice red grape tomatoes on a white cutting board, preparing them for the recipe. The text instructs to cut grape tomatoes and garlic.
Would You Meal Prep This Seafood Pesto Pasta? 👀🦐🍝
If “what’s for dinner?” stresses you out, save this 🤍 My shrimp & mussel pesto pasta is proof that simple can still feel chef’s kiss. Swipe through for the step-by-step 👉🏽 ✔️ high protein ✔️ meal-prep friendly ✔️ fancy enough to impress, easy enough for weeknights Would you make this
Sidia

Sidia

1 like

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta 🍝❤️
If you’ve never had red bell pepper pesto… baby, this is your sign. It’s smoky, slightly sweet, creamy, nutty, and it clings to the pasta in the most beautiful way. Then we add juicy sautéed shrimp and fresh Parmesan on top? Yeah… it’s giving date night at home. Simple ingredients. Bold flavo
Seafood Network

Seafood Network

26 likes

Feta Pesto Pasta with Crispy Chicken
Easy weeknight dinner 👏🏼 I took the classic viral feta pasta from TikTok and added a little twist. Adding a scoop of pesto sauce adds a level of richness and flavor to just really take this easy meal to the next level. Add crispy or grilled chicken for a little extra protein/volume. Feel fre
Kaitlyn 🤍

Kaitlyn 🤍

513 likes

CREAMY PESTO PASTA
👩🏻 Home Recipe 🍳 Well-balanced, protein-rich, and absolutely DELICIOUS, this one-pot creamy chicken pesto pasta is to die for. It's generously flavored and has a nice, strong pesto flavor that pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes. You really have to try it.
Cdelvalle

Cdelvalle

63 likes

Salmon Pesto Pasta
SALMON & PESTO PASTA My plan was to add in shaved Brussels sprouts but I completely forgot to make the Brussels while cooking. So I served it with leftover roasted broccoli. Ingredients: 8 ounces uncooked pasta 1 lb. salmon Salt & pepper to taste 1/4 tsp. garlic powder Some fl
Rachel Simson

Rachel Simson

13 likes

Garlic Herb and pesto pasta ✨
Let’s make some garlic herb salmon and pesto pasta 💚 Ingredients needed 1. Slab of salmon I prefer no bones in my salmon ( you want to make sure you clean your fish with some lemon juice ) 2. Dice up some onions and garlic this is going into your seasoning ( seasoning includes - paprika
Cloud ☁️

Cloud ☁️

82 likes

Creamy Shrimp Pesto Pasta
#shrimp #pasta #pasta recipe #pesto #inthekitchwithcake
Nicole Ross

Nicole Ross

34 likes

HEALTHY & REFRESHING Summer Tomato Pesto Pasta 🍅🌿
Healthy Summer Tomato Protein Pesto Pasta 🍝 🍅Trust me - I’m getting excited for Fall too, but there’s still some time for a few more Summer recipes! ✨This is the perfect recipe if you’re craving pasta but want something light and refreshing. This pasta doesn’t feel heavy at all and the macro
Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

64 likes

Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Ingredients • olive oil • large shrimp, peeled, deveined • salt • red pepper flakes • white mushrooms, sliced • basil pesto • chicken broth • spiral pasta • chopped fresh basil Ingredients • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 pound shrimp large, peeled, deveined • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ te
Taneshia Gardne

Taneshia Gardne

52 likes

Honey Basil Pesto Pasta Salad! 🍯
I put together a delicious Honey Basil Pesto Pasta Salad that is packed full of fresh flavors, that will make a delicious meal for lunch or dinner. 🥗 🍯 The addition of honey in the pesto gives it a subtle sweetness that balances out the fresh basil and garlic. I don’t know why it took me so long
Taylor Golub

Taylor Golub

6 likes

Pesto Pasta salad
Save for later🤤🥰 1 box of bow tie noodles 1 small avocado 4 green onions 1 tomato Olives About a cup of Italian dressing A generous amount of pesto Parmesan cheese optional ~ best served cold #pastasaladrecipe #pasta salad #recipes #recipeideas
Grace

Grace

28 likes

Pistachio pesto pasta salad
Pesto Ingredients - ½ cup pistachios - ½ cup spinach - ¼ cup olive oil - ½ cup parmesan  - 3 tbsp Greek yogurt - salt and black pepper to taste Salad Ingredients - 1 green bell pepper  - 1 cup cherry tomatoes  - ¼ cup pumpkin seeds -  ½ tsp sea salt, or to taste Blend all pesto ing
Laila Ayubi

Laila Ayubi

74 likes

Protein Pesto Pasta W/ Grilled Chicken & Asparagus
Healthy Protein Lemon Pesto Pasta With Grilled Chicken & Asparagus 🍋🌿 https://cookingkatielady.com/recipe/protein-pesto-pasta-with-chicken-asparagus/ 🌿This Protein Pesto Pasta is a family staple! It is veggie & protein loaded and bursting with flavor! The hint of lemon is so re
Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

Katie 👩🏻‍🍳

63 likes

Pesto Pasta 🍝
This quick and easy pasta recipe is fast, flavorful, and budget friendly with just a few ingredients! 🥬 • Spinach, Cherry Tomato, Pasta, Garlic, Pesto Mix, Olive Oil, Parmesan, Seasonings - garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, italian ________________________ Bring a large pot of salted
Emma 🌷🐣🌱🌸

Emma 🌷🐣🌱🌸

86 likes

See more