Classic Homemade Pesto Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan
Creamy basil pesto infused with roasted garlic, tossed with al dente pasta and grated Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes blends fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese, roasted garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves roasted garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). Toss 4 cloves garlic with 1 tsp salt and roast for 20 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1 cup basil, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Pulse until smooth, gradually adding 1 tbsp olive oil at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Step 3: Cook 12 oz spaghetti in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Toss with pesto, adding pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Garnish with roasted garlic cloves and additional Parmesan.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Classic Homemade Pesto Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Classic Homemade Pesto Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Homemade Pesto Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Classic Homemade Pesto Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Classic Homemade Pesto Pasta with Roasted Garlic and Parmesan?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
