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–+ servings

Pesto Pasta

This top-rated pesto pasta recipe, which comes together in just 15 minutes, is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.
How to Make Pesto Pasta
You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Pesto Pasta Ingredients
These are the ingredients you’ll need to make this easy pesto pasta recipe: 
Pasta: Start with your favorite pasta shape. 
Onion and oil: Cook the onion in olive oil until it’s translucent. 
Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade pesto sauce. 
Seasonings: This pesto pasta is simply seasoned with salt and pepper. 
Cheese: Grate your own Parmesan cheese instead of using the pre-shredded stuff. 
How to Make Pesto Pasta
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this shortcut pesto pasta: 
Boil your favorite pasta in salted water and drain. 
Cook the onion in oil, then stir in the basil pesto and seasonings. 
Add the pesto mixture to the hot pasta and toss with cheese. 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 225
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 ounce package pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onion
  • 2 ½ tablespoons pesto or more to taste
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Mixing bowl or serving bowl
  • Blender or food processor (for homemade pesto)
  • Colander
  • Pot (for boiling pasta)

Method
 

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in pasta and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and transfer into a large bowl.
  3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook and stir until softened, about 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in pesto, salt, and pepper until warmed through.
  5. Add pesto mixture to hot pasta; stir in grated cheese and toss well to coat.

Nutrition

Calories: 225kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 8gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 71mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 3gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 2mg

Notes

If you have any leftovers, they make a great cold pasta salad with some freshly chopped tomatoes.

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