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3 Ingredient Pesto Pasta
vegetarian
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Home / 3 Ingredient Pesto Pasta

3 Ingredient Pesto Pasta

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.

4.5
15 min
🍴4 servings
🔥480 cal
🔖Easy
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30 second summary

A lightning-fast 3 ingredient dinner of pasta tossed with rich basil pesto and salty Parmesan cheese.

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Nutrition per serving

480Calories
16gProtein
68gCarbs
17gFat
3gFiber

Ingredients

4servings

main

freebie

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Instructions

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.

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.

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.

Substitutions

basil pestosun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for a different flavor profile
Parmesan cheesePecorino Romano for a sharper and saltier finish

Common mistakes

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
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