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Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe

A quick and easy pesto pasta recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe uses fresh basil for the pesto, but you can substitute with frozen if needed.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup Pine Nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
  • 0.25 cup water or more, to thin pesto as needed.

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • While pasta cooks, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until smooth.
  • Add water as needed to thin the pesto to desired consistency.
  • Drain pasta and add to the pesto. Toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer pesto, use more Parmesan cheese or pine nuts. You can also add other ingredients to the pesto, such as sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.