Motion-Activated Basil Pesto Pasta
A vibrant pesto pasta dish with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and a hint of lemon for a zesty finish. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes blends penne or fusilli pasta, packed fresh basil, grated parmesan cheese 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 450 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
- 12 oz, penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup, packed fresh basil
- 1/2 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 pint, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 small, juiced lemon
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a food processor, pulse basil, parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Step 3: Toss pesto with cooked pasta and gently fold in cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Motion-Activated Basil Pesto Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Motion-Activated 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 Motion-Activated 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 Motion-Activated Basil Pesto Pasta 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.
Is Motion-Activated 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
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to pasta dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
