Skip to content
Forkin
DinnerMain Course

Pasta al Pesto

This classic Italian pasta dish features al dente pasta tossed in a vibrant homemade basil pesto. It's a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight dinner, highlighting fresh ingredients.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
25 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
667 kcal
Download the app

Allergen information: may contain gluten, milk, nuts, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Pasta al Pesto

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

pesto

  • 2 cupfresh basil leaves, packed
  • 0.25 cuppine nuts, toasted
  • 2 clovegarlic, peeled
  • 0.5 cupparmesan cheese, grated
  • 0.5 cupextra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsplemon juice
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground

main

  • 340 gpasta, such as spaghetti or fusilli

Equipment

large serving bowl · large pot · food processor · colander

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for the pasta.

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    While the water heats, prepare the pesto. Combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Toasting the pine nuts beforehand in a dry pan enhances their flavor.

  3. 3

    Pulse the ingredients until a smooth, bright green pesto forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: If the pesto is too thick, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil or a splash of pasta water.

  4. 4

    Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.

    About 8 min

    Cook’s note: Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

  5. 5

    Drain the cooked pasta and immediately transfer it to a large serving bowl.

    About 1 min

  6. 6

    Add the prepared pesto to the hot pasta and toss thoroughly to coat every strand.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: The residual heat from the pasta will gently warm the pesto.

  7. 7

    If the pasta seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

    Cook’s note: The pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling better to the pasta.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated parmesan cheese if desired.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
666.6kcal
Protein
17.7g
Carbs
64.1g
Fat
38.7g
Fibre
3.2g
Sugar
3.1g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover pasta al pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce, or enjoy cold.

More recipes

All recipes
  • Keto Fat Bombssnack

    Keto Fat Bombs

    These simple keto fat bombs are a delicious and easy way to boost your healthy fat intake. Made with coconut, cocoa, and nut butter, they're perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They require no baking and come together in minutes.

    1 hr 15 min
  • Pakistani Haleemmain course

    Pakistani Haleem

    This rich and hearty haleem features tender shredded beef slow-cooked with a blend of lentils and cracked wheat, creating a thick, comforting stew. It's seasoned with aromatic spices and traditionally garnished with fresh herbs, fried onions, and a squeeze of lemon.

    4 hr 30 min 631 kcal
  • Garriside dish

    Garri

    Garri is a popular West African staple made from fermented and roasted cassava. It has a slightly sour taste and can be eaten as a dry snack, mixed with cold water as a cereal, or cooked into a thick paste (eba) for dipping into soups and stews. This recipe focuses on preparing garri as a simple, cold side dish.

    5 min 482 kcal
  • Lemon Herb Chickenmain course

    Lemon Herb Chicken

    This bright and flavorful chicken dish is simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for guests. Chicken breasts are pan-seared and then simmered in a light lemon-herb sauce, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.

    45 min 326 kcal
  • Argentinian Asadomain course

    Argentinian Asado

    This recipe focuses on a traditional Argentinian asado, featuring a simple preparation of beef short ribs cooked slowly over coals. The key is quality meat and patient cooking to achieve tender, flavorful results, often enjoyed socially.

    3 hr 30 min 1,128 kcal
  • Vegan Miang Khamappetizer

    Vegan Miang Kham

    Miang Kham is a traditional Thai snack, meaning 'eating many things in one bite.' This vegan version features fresh wild betel leaves filled with a sweet and savory sauce, toasted coconut, peanuts, ginger, lime, and chilies. It's a delightful explosion of flavors and textures.

    45 min
  • Classic Beef Potjiekosmain course

    Classic Beef Potjiekos

    Potjiekos, meaning 'small pot food', is a traditional South African stew cooked in a three-legged cast-iron pot over an open fire. This recipe features tender beef, an array of vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce, perfect for a cozy gathering.

    3 hr 45 min 621 kcal