Quick Basil Pesto Pasta Dishes

What is Basil Pesto?
Basil pesto is a vibrant, flavorful sauce originating from Genoa, Italy. It is made primarily from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The combination creates a rich, aromatic sauce that elevates any pasta dish. The simplicity of pesto makes it perfect for quick meals, especially when you have cooked pasta on hand.

Pasta Types That Pair Well with Basil Pesto
When choosing pasta to pair with basil pesto, consider the following types, which hold the sauce beautifully:

• Spaghetti: Classic and widely loved, spaghetti offers a long strand perfect for twirling around your fork.

• Fusilli: Spiral shapes allow the pesto to cling to every nook and cranny, ensuring a burst of flavor in every bite.

• Penne: The tubular shape captures the sauce inside, making for a delicious, hearty dish.

• Farfalle: Also known as bow-tie pasta, farfalle’s unique shape adds visual interest and works well with pesto.

1. Classic Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 12 oz pasta of choice
• Cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Pulse until finely chopped.
2. With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
5. Toss the cooked pasta with basil pesto, adding a splash of reserved water if necessary to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes.

2. Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 oz fettuccine
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan for serving
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine as per package directions; drain.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine basil pesto and heavy cream, stirring until well blended and heated through.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the drained fettuccine, coating thoroughly.
4. Serve with grated Parmesan and fresh basil on top for added freshness.

3. Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil rotini pasta until al dente; drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

4. Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz linguine
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package instructions; set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine the drained linguine with basil pesto and shrimp, tossing to coat evenly.
5. Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

5. One-Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup basil pesto
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
2. Add penne pasta and chicken broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until pasta is cooked through.
3. Stir in basil pesto and mix well. Serve garnished with cherry tomatoes.

6. Vegan Basil Pesto Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz spaghetti
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup walnuts or sunflower seeds
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti as per instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, combine basil, nutritional yeast, walnuts, garlic, and olive oil; blend until smooth.
3. Toss the spaghetti with the vegan pesto, adding salt to taste.
4. Serve with a sprinkle of extra nutritional yeast if desired.

Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta Dishes

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your basil and olive oil significantly impacts flavor. Fresh ingredients yield the best results.

• Customize Your Pesto: Experiment with different nuts such as cashews or almonds, or adjust the cheese for different flavors.

• Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta cooking water before draining. It can help thin out the pesto and enhance adherence to the pasta.

• Try Add-Ins: Enhance your dish with grilled vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for more depth and variety.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair your basil pesto pasta with a crisp salad or garlic bread to make a complete meal.

Quick basil pesto pasta dishes are not only delicious but incredibly versatile. With just a few ingredients and minimal time, you can create an array of appealing meals perfect for any occasion.