15 Minute Pesto Pasta [+ Video]

This 15 minute pesto pasta recipe is fresh, fast, and exactly what busy weeknights call for. Al dente penne is tossed with homemade basil pesto, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan for a light but satisfying, reliable dinner that comes together in no time.

This pesto pasta is fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together. The homemade basil pesto is rich with garlic, parmesan, and pine nuts, and it clings perfectly to every bite of penne. We’ve been making it since our basil started taking over the garden, and it’s still a favorite. Tossed, stirred, and devoured in minutes.

Fresh basil has a way of sneaking into just about everything we make during the warmer months. Whether it’s tucked into a cheesy pasta or layered into something heartier, the flavor is always a hit around our table.

When the mood calls for something extra cozy, we’ll go for our 20-Minute Cheesy Pesto Pasta, or if we’re feeling that casual backyard dinner vibe, a slice of Pesto Pepperoni and Sausage Grilled Pizza totally hits the spot. And if you haven’t tried our Creamy Chicken Pesto Lasagna, you’re seriously missing out!

Ingredients for Pesto Pasta

This easy pesto pasta relies on fresh, simple ingredients that work together for big flavor—nothing fancy, nothing complicated.

• Penne Pasta: The perfect pasta shape to catch all that gorgeous pesto sauce in every nook and cranny. Spaghetti or rotini work well too!
• Pine Nuts: Lightly toasted for that buttery, nutty flavor that makes pesto sing. If you don’t have these in the pantry, walnuts or almonds are a good backup.
• Garlic: Adds a bold, savory depth to the pesto. We’re using fresh cloves for that extra zing!
• Sweet Basil: The star of the show. Use fresh basil leaves, packed tightly for the best flavor. No dried stuff here!
• Olive Oil: Helps everything blend smoothly and adds that classic richness. Stick with extra virgin for the best taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best – trust us. Adds saltiness and a creamy texture to the pesto.
• Sea Salt and Fresh Black Pepper: Just a pinch or two to bring everything into balance.

The measurements needed for each ingredient can be found in the recipe card at the end of the post.

How to Make Basil Pesto Pasta in 15 Minutes

This recipe moves fast, so it helps to have everything ready to go. While the pasta cooks, the pesto comes together in minutes.

1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a few pinches of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente – tender with a slight bite. 
   • PRO TIP: Don’t overcook it! The pasta keeps cooking a bit after draining, so stop just shy of perfect.
2. Toast the Pine Nuts: While the pasta cooks, heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Toss them occasionally until they’re golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool slightly. 
   • Heads up: Watch closely – they can go from golden to scorched in a blink!
3. Make the Pesto: In a food processor or blender, combine the toasted pine nuts, garlic, and sweet basil. Pulse until everything breaks down into a chunky paste. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine: Scoop the pesto into a bowl and stir in the grated parmesan cheese, sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning if needed (go ahead, sneak a spoonful!).
5. Toss It All Together: Drain the pasta and pour it into a large bowl. Add the pesto and toss until the pasta is completely coated.
   • PRO TIP: Don’t combine the pesto and pasta in the hot pot the penne was cooked in. Pesto and too much heat don’t mix! Too much heat can dull the flavor of the pesto and make it oily and bitter. We don’t want that!
6. Serve and Enjoy: Top with a little extra parmesan, maybe a few cherry tomatoes or vegetables if you’re feeling fancy, and serve immediately.

Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works just fine if you’re short on time. Just look for one made with real olive oil, fresh basil, and parmesan. You might want to add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to brighten it up.

What to Add to Pesto Pasta?

If you want to stretch this dish further or make it more hearty, we have lots of suggestions. For vegetables, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, roasted red peppers, or even sautéed spinach are all great additions. They bring in a pop of color and extra flavor, especially if you’re skipping protein. Just toss them in when you mix the pesto and pasta together.

For a heartier dinner, cooked chicken breast, grilled shrimp, or even grilled flank steak all pair beautifully with homemade pesto pasta. You can stir the protein in at the end, or serve it right on top for a little extra wow factor.

How to Serve Pesto Pasta as a Side Dish?

Keep it simple! Serve it alongside grilled meats, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables. It plays nicely with most main dishes and adds a burst of flavor without overpowering the plate.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

Pesto pasta holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just let it cool first, then store it in an airtight container. It’s perfect for quick lunches or an easy leftover dinner that tastes just as good the next day.

If you want to freeze it, the best move is to freeze the pesto on its own. Spoon it into an airtight container or ice cube tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. It’ll last up to 12 months. You can freeze the pasta too, but for the best texture, slightly undercook it before freezing.

To reheat, add a splash of pasta water, olive oil, or even a little lemon juice to freshen things up. Warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep the sauce nice and smooth.

This recipe is so quick already, but the pesto can definitely be made ahead and stored in the fridge. That way, dinner’s just a pot of boiling water away!

This 15 minute pesto pasta recipe is proof that dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. It’s fresh, flexible, and endlessly adaptable…perfect on its own or dressed up with veggies or protein. Whether basil is overflowing in the garden or you just need a fast win on a busy night, this one never disappoints.

Looking for more delicious PASTA RECIPES?

• Spaghetti Aglio e Olio
• Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
• Korean Ground Beef Noodles
• Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff
• Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
• All our Pasta Recipes here!

Now Watch How This Pesto Pasta is Made…