Basil Pesto Pasta

If you’re looking for a quick, vibrant, and flavorful dish that celebrates the beauty of fresh ingredients, Basil Pesto Pasta is a timeless classic that never fails. With its bright green sauce, fragrant aroma, and rich nutty flavor, this pasta is a delicious reminder of how simple ingredients can shine when combined thoughtfully.

What Is Basil Pesto?

Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, and the traditional version—Pesto alla Genovese—features a combination of fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. These ingredients are ground together to form a smooth, savory sauce that can be used in pasta, sandwiches, pizza, and more.

The word “pesto” comes from the Italian verb pestare, meaning “to pound” or “to crush,” referring to the original method of making pesto with a mortar and pestle.

Ingredients for Basil Pesto Pasta

For the Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves (tightly packed)
• ¼ cup pine nuts (can substitute walnuts or almonds)
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (about 340 g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, fusilli, penne, etc.)
• Salt (for boiling pasta)
• Reserved pasta water (½ cup)
• Optional toppings: extra Parmesan, toasted nuts, cherry tomatoes, or grilled vegetables

How to Make Basil Pesto Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

2. Make the Pesto

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, garlic, and nuts. Pulse until roughly chopped. Add Parmesan and blend again. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until a smooth sauce forms. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of lemon juice if using.

3. Combine and Serve

Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add pesto and toss to coat evenly. Use a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed—it helps the pesto stick to the pasta beautifully. Serve warm with extra cheese and toppings of your choice.

Tips and Variations

• Make it vegan: Skip the cheese or substitute with nutritional yeast.
• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a complete meal.
• Use different greens: Try spinach, kale, or arugula in place of basil for a twist.
• Pesto storage: Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze in ice cube trays for future use.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
• Packed with fresh, herby flavor
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins
• Ideal for weeknight dinners, picnics, or even lunchboxes

Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers a satisfying burst of freshness in every bite. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to use up an abundance of basil during the summer months.