--- title: "Pasta al Pesto" id: "2256" type: "recipe" slug: "pasta-al-pesto" published_at: "2026-06-28T00:04:33+00:00" modified_at: "2026-06-28T07:03:25+00:00" url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/" markdown_url: "https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto.md" excerpt: "Pasta al Pesto" taxonomy_category: - "Boiling" - "Everyday Meals" - "Grains and Pasta" - "Italian" - "Main Dishes" - "Mediterranean" - "Quick (- 30 min)" - "Quick & Easy Meals" --- Table of Contents - [• Recipe Overview](#recipe-overview) - [• Recipe Information](#recipe-metadata) - [• Time & Quantities](#recipe-time-quantities) - [• Method & Ingredients](#recipe-method) - [- Ingredients](#ingredients-section) - [- Instructions](#instructions-section) - [• Storage & Make-Ahead](#recipe-storage) - [• Nutritional & Dietary Information](#recipe-nutrition) - [• Serving & Variations](#recipe-serving) - [• Video to Share!](#recipe-video) # Pasta al Pesto Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com) ★★★★★(4.6/5 from 16 reviews) *[Click here](#image_policy) to learn about our image policy and how to submit your own!* Pesto pasta originated in Genoa, Italy, where the aromatic basil grows abundantly on the hillsides of Liguria. This simple yet vibrant dish combines the fragrant essence of fresh basil with pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil to create a bright, herbaceous sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. While the pesto sauce itself is traditionally uncooked to preserve its fresh flavor and nutritional benefits, the complete dish requires boiling pasta and lightly toasting the pine nuts. Difficulty:★☆☆☆☆(Easy) Budget: 💰💰💰 Seasonality: Spring, Summer ### Recipe Information [#](#) **Categories:** [Boiling](https://beestrot.com/focus/cooking-methods/boiling/) [Everyday Meals](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/everyday-meals/) [Grains and Pasta](https://beestrot.com/focus/ingredients/grains-and-pasta/) [Italian](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/italian/) [Main Dishes](https://beestrot.com/focus/courses/main-dishes/) [Mediterranean](https://beestrot.com/focus/cuisines/mediterranean/) [Quick (- 30 min)](https://beestrot.com/focus/time-to-table/quick-30-min/) [Quick & Easy Meals](https://beestrot.com/focus/occasions/quick-easy-meals/) **Tags:** [5-Ingredients](https://beestrot.com/tags/5-ingredients/) [Herbaceous](https://beestrot.com/tags/herbaceous/) [Nutty](https://beestrot.com/tags/nutty/) [Quick-and-easy](https://beestrot.com/tags/quick-and-easy/) [Savory](https://beestrot.com/tags/savory/) [Traditional](https://beestrot.com/tags/traditional/) [Vibrant](https://beestrot.com/tags/vibrant/) **Religious Considerations:** none **Recipe Source:** Traditional Italian Recipe Print this Recipe --- Ad section, thank you for your support! --- ### Time & Quantities [#](#) **Preparation:** 15 mins **Cooking:** 10 mins **Total:** 25 mins **Serves:** 4 **Preparation-to-Cooking Ratio:** 1.5More prep work, but quicker cooking time. ### Method & Ingredients [#](#) **Required Equipment:** Food processor or mortar and pestle, large pot, colander [Hamilton Beach Food Processor](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J8MJIQ/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008J8MJIQ/?tag=testtag-20) [ExcelSteel Heavy Duty Handles Colander](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00555ETXY/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00555ETXY/?tag=testtag-20) [MegaWise Pro Titanium Hand Blender](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P8CFQRS/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09P8CFQRS/?tag=testtag-20) [Lodge 5 Quart Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Double Dutch Oven with Lid](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEXR0K/?tag=testtag-20) [200 Pcs Parchment Paper Baking Sheets](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H79KX8W/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H79KX8W/?tag=testtag-20) [Cuisinart Mesh Strainers, 3 Count](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TUQF9O/?tag=beestrot08-20) [View on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TUQF9O/?tag=testtag-20) **Cooking Method:** Boiling #### Ingredients - 1 lb pasta - 2 cups fresh basil leaves - 1/3 cup pine nuts - 2 garlic cloves - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese - 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil - salt - freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 tsp lemon zest #### Instructions 1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. 2. While waiting for water to boil (patience is a virtue that pays off in pasta!), toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 3-5 minutes, shaking occasionally. Let cool. 3. In a food processor, combine basil, cooled pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped. 4. Add cheeses and pulse briefly to combine. 5. With processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth but still somewhat textured - this is pesto, not a smoothie! 6. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest if using. 7. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. 8. Return pasta to pot, add pesto and toss gently, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. 9. Serve immediately with extra grated cheese on top. ### Storage & Make-Ahead [#](#) **Storage Advice:** Store leftover pesto separately from pasta in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent oxidation, refrigerate up to 3 days. **Make-Ahead & Freezing Tips:** Make pesto up to 2 days ahead and store in refrigerator with a thin layer of olive oil on top. Freezes well in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. --- Ad section, thank you for your support! --- ### Nutritional & Dietary Information [#](#) **Nutritional Information:** - **Calories:** 550 - **Protein:** 15g - **Fat:** 32g (Saturated: 6g) - **Carbohydrates:** 52g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 2g) - **Vitamin A:** 15% DV - **Vitamin C:** 5% DV - **Calcium:** 12% DV - **Iron:** 15% DV **Allergen Information:** Contains dairy (cheese), nuts (pine nuts), wheat (pasta) **Dietary Information:** Contains dairy, nuts, and gluten; not suitable for vegans, those with nut allergies, dairy allergies, or celiac disease ### Serving & Variations [#](#) **Serving Suggestions:** Serve in warmed bowls with a sprinkle of pine nuts and extra Parmesan. A simple tomato and mozzarella salad makes a perfect accompaniment. **Wine or Drink Pairing:** Pair with a crisp Italian white wine like Vermentino from Liguria or a Gavi di Gavi from Piedmont. These wines have the acidity and mineral notes to complement the herbaceous pesto. **Possible Recipe Variations:** Substitute walnuts for pine nuts for a more economical option. Add cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls for a summer variation. Use half spinach and half basil for a milder flavor. **Additional Notes:** Traditionally, Ligurian cooks use a mortar and pestle for the most authentic texture. The warmth of the pasta will release the aroma of the pesto. Share this recipe! [Set as Preferred Source](https://www.google.com/preferences/source?q=beestrot.com) Disclosure: This recipe may contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click on a link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you. This applies to featured Amazon products or any other Beestrot's partners. Thank you for your support! Jean Louis. ## 2 thoughts on “Pasta al Pesto” 1. Corey[June 15, 2026 at 5:45 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-532) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ This is the real deal – can’t wait to make it with fresh basil from the farmers market. 2. Rita[May 22, 2026 at 12:08 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-531) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Looks authentic. Saving this recipe! 3. Derek M.[April 15, 2026 at 3:22 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-530) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) Bookmarked for summer! 4. Cathy[March 20, 2026 at 10:38 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-529) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Can’t wait to try when my basil is ready! 5. Jake[February 12, 2026 at 6:52 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-528) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Restaurant quality at home. The fresh basil smell while making it is incredible. 6. Margot[January 18, 2026 at 2:15 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-527) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Délicieux! Simple mais tellement savoureux. J’ai ajouté un peu plus d’ail, comme je l’aime. 7. Lorenzo[December 5, 2025 at 8:28 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-526) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Perfetto! Questo è il vero pesto, non quello che vendono nei supermercati. Complimenti! 8. Sarah L.[November 2, 2025 at 4:42 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-525) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Made this with homegrown basil – incredible flavor! The pine nuts really make it special. 9. Trevor[October 8, 2025 at 11:08 am](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-524) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ So good! 🌿 10. Maxime[September 15, 2025 at 6:55 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-523) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Excellent! J’ai fait au mortier comme suggéré et la texture est vraiment meilleure. Un peu long mais ça vaut le coup. 11. Francesca[August 22, 2025 at 12:35 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-522) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Come quello della nonna a Genova! Il segreto è usare solo basilico fresco e parmigiano di qualità. Bravissimi! 12. Liam[July 28, 2025 at 7:18 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-521) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Fresh basil pesto is a game changer! So much better than jarred. Worth the extra effort. 13. Joana[July 5, 2025 at 2:45 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-520) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★☆(4/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Fiz com manjericão fresco e ficou incrível! Muito mais saboroso que o pesto comprado. A família toda adorou. 14. Alessandra[June 10, 2025 at 5:22 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-519) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ✔️ Made this⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ Finalmente il vero pesto genovese! Ho usato il basilico del mio giardino e il risultato era perfetto. Il mortaio fa davvero la differenza. 15. Sofia R.[April 30, 2025 at 2:08 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-119) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 1❤️ Magnifico, just splendid pasta as pesto, grazie! 16. Thomas K.[April 29, 2025 at 8:30 pm](https://beestrot.com/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#comment-120) [Log in to Reply](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) ★★★★★(5/5) ⭐ Recommends*👍* 0❤️ This authentic pesto looks incredible! So excited to make this with basil from my garden this summer. Love that it uses the traditional mortar and pestle method – it really does make a difference in texture. ## Leave a Reply [Cancel reply](/recipe/pasta-al-pesto/#respond) You must be [logged in](https://beestrot.com/wp-login.php?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fbeestrot.com%2Frecipe%2Fpasta-al-pesto%2F) to post a comment. ### Encore! 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