Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe

This basil pesto pasta is one of the easiest ways to turn fresh garden basil into a simple homemade meal. You can make it with your favorite store-bought pasta, or use my Easy Sourdough Pasta Recipe if you want to make the pasta from scratch.

I like making this when the basil is growing heavily in the garden because it lets me use a good amount of fresh basil without making dinner complicated. My Easy Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe is made with fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and a little lemon juice, and it comes together quickly.

The key to good pesto pasta is to toss the pesto with the hot pasta after cooking instead of cooking the pesto over high heat. A little reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and makes the basil pesto cling to the noodles without becoming heavy.

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Quick Look

Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: About 10 minutes for dry pasta, or 2 to 3 minutes for fresh pasta
Total: About 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Texture: Silky, lightly creamy, and coated with fresh basil pesto
Best Served: Immediately, with freshly grated Parmesan

Ingredients for Basil Pesto Pasta

12 ounces dry pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or another favorite shape

Or use 1 batch of my Easy Sourdough Pasta Recipe for homemade fresh pasta

½ to ¾ cup Easy Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe

¼ to ½ cup reserved pasta water

¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Salt, as needed

Equipment

Large pot

Colander or pasta strainer

Large mixing bowl or skillet

Tongs

Measuring cups

Cheese grater

How to Make Basil Pesto Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If using store-bought pasta, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.

If using homemade pasta, prepare my Easy Sourdough Pasta Recipe and cook the fresh pasta for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until al dente.

Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to a large bowl or skillet.

Add ½ cup of the fresh basil pesto and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.

Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon or two at a time, tossing between additions, until the pesto becomes silky and coats the noodles well.

Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Taste and add additional pesto or salt as needed.

Serve immediately with more Parmesan cheese over the top.

Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta

Start with ½ cup of pesto and add more if you want a stronger basil flavor.

Do not cook the pesto over high heat. The fresh basil flavor is best when the pesto is tossed with the hot pasta after cooking.

Reserve the pasta water before draining. It helps loosen the pesto and makes the sauce smoother.

Add the pasta water slowly. You may not need the full amount.

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.

If using fresh homemade pasta, watch it closely because it cooks much faster than dried pasta.

What Kind of Pasta Is Best With Pesto?

Pesto works well with many pasta shapes.

Spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, penne, fusilli, and farfalle all work well.

Long noodles are good if you want the pesto to coat every strand, while ridged or twisted pasta shapes can hold more of the sauce.

If you want to make the pasta from scratch, my Easy Sourdough Pasta Recipe works especially well with fresh basil pesto.

Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

Yes, you can use store-bought pesto when you are short on time.

I prefer my Easy Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe when fresh basil is available because the basil flavor is brighter and I can control the amount of Parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, and lemon juice.

What to Serve With Basil Pesto Pasta

Basil pesto pasta can be served on its own or paired with something simple.

Serve it with grilled chicken, steak, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

It also works well with homemade bread. My Simple Sourdough Discard Focaccia Bread Recipe is a good option for serving alongside the pasta.

For a lighter meal, serve the pasta with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, or vegetables from the garden.

How to Store Basil Pesto Pasta

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so it may be a little drier the next day.

To loosen it, add a small spoonful of pesto, a drizzle of olive oil, or a splash of warm water before serving.

Reheat gently. High heat can dull the fresh basil flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basil Pesto Pasta