Pesto Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that brings together tender penne noodles and fresh, flavorful pesto sauce. It’s quick to make and oh-so-yummy!
There’s something amazing about that bright green sauce clinging to each pasta piece. I always sprinkle on some extra cheese—because, let’s face it, cheese makes everything better! 🧀
This dish is perfect for busy nights since it cooks up in no time. Just mix it with veggies or chicken if you like, and you’ve got a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the pesto sauce. If you can’t find penne, try rigatoni or fusilli. Both work well and add a nice bite!
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is a must for authentic pesto. If you don’t have it, consider using arugula or spinach as a substitute. They will change the flavor but still taste great!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Pine Nuts: These add a lovely richness to the pesto. If you’re on a budget, walnuts or sunflower seeds make excellent alternatives. They bring a different flavor but still delicious!
Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil enhances the taste of pesto significantly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use avocado oil, which has a mild flavor.
How Do You Make Sure Your Pesto is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting that perfect, creamy pesto takes a bit of attention to detail. Here’s how to make sure it’s smooth:
- Use a food processor for best results. It really helps blend everything together!
- Start with the dry ingredients (basil, nuts, cheese, garlic) and pulse them until roughly chopped. This prevents lumps.
- Once they are combined, slowly add the olive oil while the processor is running. This helps emulsify the oil with the other ingredients, creating a smooth sauce.
- If your pesto is too thick, mix in a touch of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Make Pesto Penne Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pesto Penne Pasta recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. It includes around 10 minutes for boiling the pasta and about 10 minutes to make the pesto and assemble the dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (firm to the bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander, but be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
2. Prepare the Pesto:
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to whip up the pesto sauce! In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and minced garlic. Pulse the mixture until it’s roughly chopped.
3. Blend in the Olive Oil:
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Taste your pesto and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference.
4. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
Transfer the cooked penne pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly made pesto sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, feel free to add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
Now, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the pasta for a pop of color and flavor!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your delicious pesto penne pasta and garnish with additional chopped basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve it warm and enjoy this fresh, bright dish!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Making My Own?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save you time and is a great substitute. Opt for a high-quality brand for the best flavor. Just mix it with the cooked pasta as you would with homemade pesto.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make pesto penne pasta vegan, you can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. You can also skip the cheese altogether for a lighter version.
What Can I Mix In for Extra Protein?
For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Simply toss them in with the pasta and pesto at the end for a hearty meal!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or water to refresh it.
