Cook up a delicious and satisfying single serving of pesto pasta in just 15 minutes! This easy recipe is perfect when you're craving a quick and easy meal. It can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish, and you can enjoy it warm or cold! Use our simple homemade pesto recipe or keep it simple and use store-bought.
2ouncesspaghetti, or use your favorite pasta. Two ounces of dried spaghetti is roughly the same size as the circumference of a quarter. For pasta types like penne or ziti, measure out ⅔ cup to equal 2 ounces of dried pasta.
Heat a medium-sized pot of water until it reaches a rolling boil.
Cook the pasta following the instructions on its packaging.
Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water. Note: This starchy water is to be mixed into the spaghetti with the pesto. While 1 to 2 tablespoons are usually enough, it's handy to have a bit extra if you prefer a thinner pesto sauce. This water aids in evenly coating the pasta with pesto, making it an essential step for a delightful pesto pasta.
After the pasta is cooked, drain it using a colander.
Place the drained pasta into a serving bowl.
Mix in the pesto and 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the pasta. Stir or toss to thoroughly coat the pasta with pesto. If needed, add more pasta water gradually to achieve a silky, soft texture.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded Parmesan over the pasta, then toss to combine. Taste and, if needed, add a pinch of salt for seasoning.
Serve the pasta in a bowl and garnish with an extra tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
Avoid mixing pesto pasta on a hot stove. Instead, move the cooked pasta to a bowl, then add the pesto and gently toss. The pasta's residual heat is sufficient to warm the pesto.
Consider enhancing the dish with a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Pesto pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It remains fresh for up to 3 days.
Keep in mind, homemade pesto typically has a brighter green color compared to store-bought varieties.