Easy Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta! I am a big pesto fan. I love how easy it is to make and simple it is. A must make for a weeknight dinner or side dish. This one is actually super refreshing with the lemon and packs in extra greens with some spinach. We paired with fusilli which was perfect because the ridges really hold all the sauce! So highly recommend that. Enjoy this delicious dish! Don't forget to tag me over on Instagram if you make it - @saridiskin. You can also check out my Instagram reel of this recipe here. It is part of my weekly pasta recipe video series!
For this lemon basil pesto pasta you will need:
- Pasta of your choice
- Fresh Basil
- Fresh Spinach (I have not tested with kale or arugula, but I can imagine it would be great too)
- Olive Oil
- Grated / Shredded Parmesean Cheese
- Pine Nuts (Walnuts also work great here, pine nuts can be hard to find for a good price)
- Peeled garlic cloves or minced garlic
- Lemon
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Optional for toppings: More parmesan, fresh burrata, basil leaves
Add all ingredients (minus the pasta) to a blender or food processor. Blend up for a few minutes until a solid color is formed. You want it to be a little textured of course, but well blended.
Cook pasta according to instructions. I suggest in salted water until an el dente texture.
Make sure not to straight all the water because you may want some of the starchy pasta water for mixing in the sauce.
When pasta and sauce are ready, heat up a pan on low with a little olive oil or butter. Mix in noodles with a splash of starchy pasta water. Pour basil sauce on top and mix well. Option to add more salt, pepper, and parmesan to taste when you mix.
Serve with fresh burrata, lemon zest, ground pepper, and more parm. ENJOY!
If you love this recipe, you should also check out: Balsamic Burrata Pasta, Classic Vodka Pasta or Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi.
Ingredients
Directions
Add all ingredients (minus the pasta) to a blender or food processor. Blend up for a few minutes until a solid color is formed. You want it to be a little textured of course, but well blended.
Cook pasta according to instructions. I suggest in salted water until an el dente texture.
Make sure not to straight all the water because you may want some of the starchy pasta water for mixing in the sauce.
When pasta and sauce are ready, heat up a pan on low with a little olive oil or butter. Mix in noodles with a splash of starchy pasta water. Pour basil sauce on top and mix well. Option to add more salt, pepper, and parmesan to taste when you mix.
Serve with fresh burrata, lemon zest, ground pepper, and more parm. ENJOY!
