This bright and tasty Pesto Penne Pasta is perfect for a quick meal. Just cook the penne, stir in some fresh basil pesto, and you’re ready to enjoy!
Honestly, it’s like a hug in a bowl! I love adding a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s super easy to make and delicious—perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish shines with penne pasta for its shape that holds the creamy pesto well. If you don’t have penne, other short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli can work nicely too.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for the pesto’s flavor. If you can’t find fresh basil, consider using spinach or arugula for a different twist! Remember, dried herbs won’t give the same flavor as fresh.
Pine Nuts: These nuts give the pesto its rich, buttery flavor. If you’re allergic or want to save some money, walnuts or sunflower seeds are great alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese brings saltiness and depth to the pesto. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do You Make the Perfect Pesto?
Making great pesto is all about balancing flavors and textures. The key is to blend your ingredients well while keeping some texture. Here’s how:
- First, pulse the basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese in your food processor until it’s coarsely chopped—don’t rush this step!
- While the processor runs, slowly add the olive oil in a steady stream. This helps emulsify the pesto, creating a creamy consistency.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as you go.
Using this method will elevate your pesto, making it fresh and delicious! Keep experimenting with ingredient ratios until you find your perfect blend.
Pesto Penne Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
Pesto Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For Garnish:
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (about 8-10 for garnish)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pesto Penne Pasta takes about 20 minutes, including 10-12 minutes for cooking the pasta. With just a few minutes to blend the pesto and toss everything together, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Penne:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Remember to stir occasionally! When done, drain the pasta in a colander, but save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water for later.
2. Making the Pesto:
While the pasta is cooking, let’s make the pesto. In a food processor or blender, add the packed basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic cloves, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse these ingredients together until they become coarsely chopped. This step is crucial for getting that fresh taste!
3. Blending the Pesto:
Now, while the food processor is running, gently drizzle in the olive oil. Keep blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste it, then season with salt and pepper according to your preference. If it needs a little more flavor, go ahead and add a bit more cheese or pine nuts.
4. Combining Pasta and Pesto:
In a large bowl, transfer the drained pasta. Add in the pesto sauce, and toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated. If the pesto seems a bit thick, feel free to add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve the perfect consistency!
5. Adding the Cherry Tomatoes:
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. They’ll add a nice burst of flavor and freshness to your dish!
6. Serving the Dish:
Your Pesto Penne Pasta is ready! Serve it warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for that lovely touch.
Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Pesto Penne Pasta!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead?
Absolutely! Using store-bought pesto is a great time-saver. Just substitute it for the homemade pesto in the recipe for an easy and delicious meal.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
To make this Pesto Penne Pasta vegan, simply replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based pasta. This will keep the flavors rich and satisfying!
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
You can definitely boost the protein content by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Just toss them in with the pasta when combining with the pesto for a hearty meal.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Enjoy!
