Summer Pesto Pasta
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Summer Pesto Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm evenings or easy weeknight dinners. You’ll love how fresh and vibrant it tastes, making it a go-to recipe all season long.
- Simple and fast: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy days.
- Bursting with flavor: Fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan create a delicious, aromatic sauce.
- Versatile and customizable: Add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own.
Recipe
This vibrant Summer Pesto Pasta is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for warm days. Fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts blend into a bright pesto, tossed with al dente pasta and cherry tomatoes for a revitalizing meal.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup pasta water.
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss pesto with pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in cherry tomatoes. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes: Substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds if preferred. For extra richness, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Serving: 4
Calories: 450 per serving
Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
This delicious Summer Pesto Pasta is packed with nutrients and flavor. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 60 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my summer pesto pasta with a fresh salad, like a simple arugula and cherry tomato mix, to add a crisp, rejuvenating bite. Grilled chicken or shrimp also works wonders, giving the dish a hearty, smoky flavor that complements the pesto perfectly. It’s all about balancing the meal with something light and something satisfying!
Fresh Salad Pairings
A bright, crisp salad is one of the best ways to balance the rich flavors of summer pesto pasta. I love tossing together seasonal vegetables like juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and shaved carrots—their freshness complements the pasta perfectly. Adding fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley gives the salad a burst of flavor that ties it to the pesto. A simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt keeps it light and invigorating. It’s like a garden on a plate, and every bite feels like summer. Trust me, it’s the ideal side for your meal!
Grilled Protein Options
To make your summer pesto pasta meal even more satisfying, adding a grilled protein can take it to the next level. I love tossing chicken, shrimp, or even steak on the grill—it adds smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh pesto. For juicy results, try simple grilling techniques like preheating the grill and flipping just once. Marinating your protein beforehand makes a huge difference; my go-to is lemon-garlic for chicken or a quick herb mix for shrimp. Don’t forget to let the meat rest before slicing! Trust me, it’s worth the extra step for a meal that’ll wow everyone.
