How to Make the Perfect 3 Ingredient Pesto Pasta
Italian · Easy · 15 min · 4 servings
This 3 ingredient pesto pasta combines al dente pasta with vibrant basil pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a meal that comes together in minutes. Three simple ingredients create an incredibly satisfying dinner that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria.
Why this recipe works
This 3 Ingredient Pesto Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 15 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 480 calories with 16g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 5 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 0.5 cup basil pesto
- 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Toss with Pesto
Add the basil pesto to the hot drained pasta and toss well to coat every strand. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Drizzle with olive oil and toss again.
Step 3: Finish with Parmesan
Divide the pesto pasta into bowls and top generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt if needed and serve immediately while hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- basil pesto → sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a different flavor profile
- Parmesan cheese → Pecorino Romano for a sharper and saltier finish
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not saving pasta water before draining, which leaves the pesto sauce too thick and clumpy
- Adding pesto to the pasta while it is still over high heat, which destroys the fresh herb flavor and turns the pesto bitter
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 480 calories, 16g protein, 68g carbs, 17g fat, 3g fiber.
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