A classic and easy weeknight dinner, Homemade Basil Pesto Pasta, is a timeless favorite. This recipe combines the vibrant and herby taste of fresh basil with the nuttiness of parmesan cheese, pine nuts and olive oil tossed with your favorite pasta. Add a dash of red pepper flakes for a touch of spice!

A white bowl with green pasta and a gold fork surrounded by white cheese and toasted bread.

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Weeknight dinners can be a challenge when after school activities are busy and everyone is running in a different direction. I love having a go to that everyone loves, Homemade Basil Pesto Pasta is a win all around. Packed with fresh, herby flavors and a creamy satisfying texture, this is a dish the whole family will love.

Make this Basil Pesto Pasta with our favorite Melon Prosciutto and Burrata Salad and you will have the perfect gourmet meal in your own home!

Ingredient Notes

A clear bowl with tan pasta, a clear bowl with green sauce and a clear bowl with shredded cheese next to fresh green basil leaves.

Pesto Sauce: Homemade basil pesto sauce is the best! You can buy it jarred, but the flavor will be completely different. Fresh basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, fresh squeezed lemon juice and oliver oil make this green sauce so amazing!

Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta! Fusilli, penne, or traditional spaghetti all work great or make it gluten free with your chose of pasta!

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded parmesan cheese is the perfect garnish for your pasta and also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to make it spicy!

Homemade Pesto Sauce

A food processor filled with green pesto sauce next to sliced lemons and fresh basil leaves

Making homemade basil pesto sauce is so much easier than you think and is way better then jarred pest. In one food processor bowl, combine the fresh basil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, oliver oil and salt and pepper. Pulse until creamy and you are ready to go.

Step-by-Step Directions

A white bowl filled with green spiral pasta next to a wood spoon, shredded white cheese and toasted bread.

Step 1: Make the Pesto Sauce
In a food processor, combine all the ingredients and pulse until fully combined and creamy. Store the pesto in an air tight container in the refrigerator until you are ready pour it over the pasta.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta
In salted boiling water, pour the pasta into the pot and cook until done. Before draining the pasta, save one cup of the pasta water and set aside. Drain the pasta, pour into a serving bowl.

Step 3: Assemble the Basil Pesto Pasta
Once the cooked pasta is in the serving bowl, pour the pesto sauce over the pasta and pour the pasta water over the pesto sauce. Stir the pasta until all noodles are fully coated in pesto sauce and green.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Pesto Pasta immediately. Garnish each dish with parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes!

A white bowl filled with green pasta and a gold spoon sitting in it.

Tips to Make the Best Homemade Basil Pesto Pasta

Add a Protein: I love this simple and delicious meal, but you can always add your favorite protein; chicken, shrimp or steak.

Make it Ahead: I love keeping pesto on hand so you can whip this dish up for an easy weeknight dinner. You can make the pesto a few days in advance and then boil the pasta when you are ready to serve this recipe or pesto freezes well. Once the pesto is made, portion it into ice cube trays for a quick single serving portion.

Leftovers: This recipe makes the best leftovers and the flavor is amazing the next day! Store the pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Warm when ready to serve!

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