Sage Pesto Pasta with Lemon Zest

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

Fresh sage pesto tossed with al dente pasta and bright lemon, finished with toasted pine nuts for a vibrant herbaceous dish. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, blends fresh sage leaves, pine nuts, lemon 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 520 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 2 tbsp pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Finely chop 1/2 cup fresh sage leaves, then blend with 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, and the zest of 1 lemon until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
  3. Step 3: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz spaghetti, and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  4. Step 4: Toss the drained pasta with the sage pesto and 2 tbsp reserved pasta water until coated, adding more water if needed to create a silky sauce. Stir in toasted pine nuts and serve immediately with extra parmesan.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sage Pesto Pasta with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sage Pesto Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sage Pesto Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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 Sage Pesto Pasta with Lemon Zest 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 Sage Pesto Pasta with Lemon Zest?

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.

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