Micro Basil Pesto Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright, fresh pasta dish with pesto made from tender micro basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends Spaghetti, Micro basil, Pine nuts 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 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.4 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 420 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil, add 8 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 2 cups micro basil, 1/4 cup pine nuts, 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; pulse until finely chopped.
  3. Step 3: With the processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup olive oil until smooth and emulsified, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti and 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water to the processor, then pulse until pasta is evenly coated and sauce thickens to coat strands.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Micro Basil Pesto Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Micro Basil Pesto Pasta?

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 Micro Basil Pesto Pasta?

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 Micro Basil Pesto Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Micro Basil Pesto Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes