The Best Basil Pesto Pasta

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

A vibrant pasta dish infused with fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan, topped with toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes blends spaghetti, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup grated parmesan, and 1 cup fresh basil leaves. Pulse until smooth, adding a splash of pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
  3. Step 3: Toss the cooked pasta into the pesto mixture until well coated. Stir in 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts and season with salt. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Basil Pesto Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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.

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