Pesto penne pasta is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights. Tossed in a creamy basil pesto sauce, it’s bursting with fresh taste!
You can really feel fancy with this dish while keeping it easy. Just boil the pasta, mix in the pesto, and voilà! Dinner in minutes, which gives me more time to relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can easily swap it for fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti!
Basil: Fresh basil gives the pesto its distinct taste. If it’s not available, try using spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile. Dried basil isn’t a great substitute in pesto since it lacks freshness.
Pine Nuts: While pine nuts are traditional, walnuts work as a great affordable alternative. You could also use almonds or pecans for a unique twist!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds creaminess and flavor. If you’re looking for a substitute, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work well.
How Do I Make Sure My Pesto is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting a smooth pesto is all about the blending technique. Here are some tips to ensure success:
- Start with smaller pulses in the food processor to chop the basil, nuts, and garlic, before adding the olive oil.
- Drizzle the olive oil slowly while the processor runs to help emulsify the mixture properly.
- If your pesto feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water a tablespoon at a time until it’s the consistency you like.
By following these steps, your pesto will be creamy and packed with flavor, perfectly coating your pasta!
Delicious Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts as a substitute)
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup asparagus tips, trimmed and blanched
- Extra basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: 1-2 tbsp pasta cooking water (to loosen sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This lovely pesto penne pasta dish will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, and another 10 minutes combining everything together and enjoying your meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Remember to save about 1/4 cup of the cooking water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Pesto:
While your pasta cooks, it’s time to whip up the pesto! In a food processor, toss in the packed basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse everything until it’s finely chopped.
3. Add Olive Oil:
With the food processor still running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep blending until your pesto is smooth and creamy. Taste it and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Yum!
4. Blanch the Asparagus:
Next, you’ll want to cook the asparagus. Bring a small pot of water to a boil, then add in the trimmed asparagus tips. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Once done, drain them and plunge them into ice water immediately to stop the cooking process.
5. Combine Everything:
In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with your freshly made pesto! If the pesto feels a bit thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up and mix well.
6. Add Veggies:
Gently fold in the blanched asparagus tips and halved cherry tomatoes to the pasta and pesto mixture. Everything should be coated nicely!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your vibrant Pesto Penne Pasta into bowls. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this delicious meal while it’s warm!
Bon appétit! You’ve made a delightful, fresh Pesto Penne Pasta that’s sure to satisfy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead of Homemade?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought pesto can be a great shortcut. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If you don’t have pine nuts on hand, walnuts or even sunflower seeds make excellent substitutes. Both will give you a nice texture, but the flavor will vary slightly—walnuts will add earthiness while sunflower seeds will be milder.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Add More Veggies to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add any veggies you love. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions. Just cook them according to your preference—blanching, sautéing, or roasting would all work well!
