What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Summer Pesto Pasta is a quick, fresh dish that’s perfect for warm days. It’s packed with flavor and easy to make, so you’ll have more time to enjoy the sunshine.
- Bright and fresh flavors – The basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes bring a burst of summer to every bite.
- Simple and fast – Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Versatile and customizable – Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or cheeses to make it your own.
Recipe
This vibrant Summer Pesto Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for warm-weather meals. Fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan come together in a bright pesto sauce tossed with al dente pasta and cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, salt, and pepper until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Gently fold in cherry tomatoes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes:
- Substitute spinach or arugula for a twist.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins | Serving: 4 | Calories: 420 per serving | Cuisine: Italian
Equipment
Preparing summer pesto pasta requires a few essential tools to guarantee a smooth cooking process. Having the right equipment on hand will make the recipe quick and efficient.
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Food processor or blender for making pesto
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl for combining pasta and pesto
- Chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
- Grater for Parmesan cheese (if using fresh)
- Serving bowl or plates for presentation
Nutrition
This pesto pasta recipe is a delicious and nutritious summer dish. Below is the nutritional information per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
What to Serve With This Recipe
I love serving my summer pesto pasta with a crisp, fresh salad—it adds a nice crunch and balances the rich flavors. Grilled chicken or shrimp also pair perfectly, giving the dish a little extra protein and smoky depth. You can’t go wrong with either, so pick what sounds best to you!
Fresh Salad Complements
Since pesto pasta is rich and flavorful, you’ll want something light and crisp to balance it out—that’s where a fresh salad comes in. I love tossing mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s so invigorating! Sometimes I’ll add a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. The salad doesn’t overpower the pasta but complements it perfectly, making the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Grilled Protein Pairing
A bright salad balances the richness of pesto pasta, but adding a grilled protein turns it into a heartier meal. I love tossing in grilled chicken, shrimp, or even salmon—they all pair perfectly with the herby sauce. For a quick option, I’ll marinate the protein in lemon and garlic before grilling. It’s simple, flavorful, and makes the dish feel complete. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
