Pesto pasta is a popular Italian dish made with pasta, pesto sauce, and other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The dish typically involves cooking the pasta until it is tender and then tossing it with a mixture of pesto sauce, cooked onions, and seasoning. Pesto sauce is typically made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, although there are many variations of the sauce. Pesto pasta is often served as a main course, and can be customized with the addition of proteins like chicken, sausage, or chickpeas, as well as vegetables like cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) package of pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 1/2 tbsp pesto
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return it to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer into a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add onion and cook and stir until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in pesto, salt, and pepper until warmed through.
- Add pesto mixture to hot pasta and stir in grated cheese. Toss well to coat.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Optional mix-ins: chicken, sausage, chickpeas
- Sides that pair well: French Baguettes, Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad, Balsamic Bruschetta
- Leftover Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Tips
- Double the sauce for a richer flavor.
- Add garlic, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil for added flavor.
- Grill chicken or shrimp and add to the pasta for a heartier meal.
