Easy Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 6 ounces spaghetti
reserve 1/2 cup starchy pasta water
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup basil pesto or vegan pesto
- Extra-virgin olive oil
for drizzling
- Fresh lemon juice
as desired
- 4 cups arugula
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- Pinches of red pepper flakes
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Freshly grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan
Directions
- 1
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions or until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining. Drain the pasta and toss with a tiny bit of olive oil.
- 2
In a large skillet over very low heat, add the pesto, 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to combine. Add the pasta and toss to coat, and more pasta water as needed to create a loose sauce. The amount of water needed will depend on thickness of your pesto.
- 3
Turn the heat off. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper, to taste. Then, add the arugula and toss to barely wilt. Garnish with the red pepper flakes and pine nuts and serve.
Easy Pesto Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 47 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? This Easy Pesto Pasta delivers on all fronts, offering fresh, zesty flavors in just 25 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights.
What makes this pesto pasta stand out is its incredible simplicity and speed. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can transform a basic pantry staple into a gourmet experience, proving that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated. The minimal cooking time focuses on achieving the ideal texture for the spaghetti while preserving the bright essence of the pesto.
Prepare for a delightful dance of textures and tastes. You'll experience the al dente bite of spaghetti coated in fragrant basil pesto, brightened by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Peppery arugula adds a crisp counterpoint, while toasted pine nuts provide a subtle crunch that enhances the overall experience. A touch of red pepper flakes offers a gentle warmth, all brought together by the savory richness of freshly grated Parmesan.
This versatile dish welcomes your personal touch. Easily make it plant-based by opting for a quality vegan pesto and a good vegan Parmesan alternative. You can also adjust the kick by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes, or enhance the brightness with an extra drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil or a generous squeeze of lemon juice.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light, refreshing lunch, this pesto pasta is best enjoyed immediately. Its vibrant flavors pair wonderfully with a simple green salad.