Pesto Pasta For One
This single serving pesto pasta is quick, flavorful, and made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s ready in 15 minutes and perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.
Servings: 1 serving
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces spaghetti or use your favorite pasta. (Two ounces of dried spaghetti is about the width of a quarter when bunched. For shapes like penne or ziti, use ⅔ cup to equal 2 ounces.)
- 1 ½ tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade pesto)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water
- 2 tablespoons freshly shredded Parmesan cheese -plus more for topping
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a bowl.
- Add the pesto and 1 to 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add more water if needed for a smoother sauce.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of shredded Parmesan. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Top with an extra tablespoon of Parmesan and serve.
Notes
- Don’t mix the pesto on the stove. Transfer the hot pasta to a bowl, then add the pesto. The pasta’s heat is enough to warm the sauce.
- A squeeze of lemon before serving adds a bright, fresh flavor.
- Pesto pasta can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Homemade pesto is usually brighter green than store-bought.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 382mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 1mg
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