Description
This Quick Pesto Pasta recipe offers a delicious and easy way to prepare a classic Italian dish in just 20 minutes. Using store-bought or homemade pesto combined with butter and pasta water, it creates a silky, flavorful sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. Finished with fresh lemon juice, black pepper, and optional garnishes like Parmesan and toasted pine nuts, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s fresh, vibrant, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 tsp salt (for pasta water)
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
Sauce
- 2/3 cup pesto (store-bought or up to 1 cup if homemade)
- 1/2 tablespoon butter
- ¾ – 1 cup pasta cooking water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice and/or ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Boil pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to use later in the sauce.
- Drain pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Warm pesto and build the sauce: In a large skillet over low heat, combine the pesto, butter, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Stir gently for 30 to 60 seconds until the butter melts and the pesto warms through. Keep the heat low to avoid burning or altering the flavor.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the noodles evenly. Add additional pasta water, a splash at a time, until the sauce achieves a silky texture and clings nicely to the pasta.
- Finish with lemon and season: Stir in lemon juice and/or lemon zest to brighten the flavors. Season with black pepper and salt to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Save some pasta water before draining as it helps to create a smooth, cohesive sauce.
- Adjust the pesto amount depending on whether it’s store-bought or homemade, as homemade pesto tends to be more concentrated.
- Use low heat when warming the pesto to preserve its fresh flavor.
- The optional toppings like Parmesan and pine nuts add texture and extra flavor but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Add lemon juice gradually and taste as you go to find your preferred brightness.
