Basil Pesto Pasta Recipe
This basil pesto pasta is made with your favorite pasta, fresh basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water for a simple, silky pasta sauce.
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Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry pasta such as spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, or another favorite shape
- Or use 1 batch of 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
Instructions
- 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 the sourdough pasta according to the Easy Sourdough Pasta Recipe and cook 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 Parmesan cheese.
- Taste and add additional pesto or salt as needed.
- Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
Notes
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.
The reserved pasta water helps loosen the pesto and creates a smoother sauce that coats the noodles.
Fresh homemade pasta cooks quickly, usually in about 2 to 3 minutes, so watch it closely.
Store-bought dried pasta works perfectly in this recipe and makes it a fast weeknight meal.
For a fully homemade version, use my Easy Sourdough Pasta Recipe and Easy Fresh Basil Pesto Recipe.