Pesto Penne Pasta is the epitome of a quick, vibrant, and flavorful meal. This dish brings together the richness of homemade pesto, the creaminess of Parmesan, and the delightful crunch of toasted pine nuts, all tossed in perfectly cooked penne pasta. The combination is fresh, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a weekend treat.
What makes this pasta dish truly special is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—pasta, pesto, Parmesan, and pine nuts—you can create a meal that’s bursting with freshness and flavor. You can also easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins, making it a versatile and satisfying meal any day of the week.
Full Recipe:
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2 cups penne pasta
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1/2 cup homemade or store-bought pesto
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
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Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Olive oil for drizzling
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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While the pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with pesto sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
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Add halved cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to combine.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Why Pesto Penne Pasta is Perfect for All Occasions
Pesto Penne Pasta is one of those dishes that can be enjoyed year-round, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party. The great thing about pesto is that it’s incredibly easy to make from scratch, and it brings an extraordinary burst of flavor to even the simplest of ingredients. Penne pasta, with its tubular shape, is a perfect partner for pesto because it catches the sauce inside the tube, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
This dish is also highly adaptable. You can easily adjust the flavor of your pesto by using different herbs, such as arugula or parsley, or by swapping out pine nuts for other types of nuts like walnuts or almonds. It’s a great dish to experiment with and can be tailored to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
Health Benefits of Pesto Penne Pasta
While Pesto Penne Pasta is indulgent, it also offers some significant health benefits. Fresh basil, the star ingredient of pesto, is not only packed with flavor, but it also offers numerous health benefits. Basil is rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C, which helps to protect your body from oxidative stress. It’s also known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may promote digestion.
Another health benefit of pesto is the use of olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to support heart health by reducing bad cholesterol levels. It also contains polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants in the body.
Lastly, pasta itself, especially when made from whole grains, can be a good source of fiber and energy. By pairing pesto with whole wheat penne, you can further boost the nutritional value of this dish, making it a more balanced meal.
How to Customize Your Pesto Penne Pasta
One of the best things about pesto pasta is that it’s highly customizable. While the classic version of pesto is made with basil, you can easily switch up the herbs depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Herb Variations: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different herbs like spinach, kale, or arugula. Each of these greens will add their unique flavor profile to the pesto, making for a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe. Some people even make pesto using a mix of basil and mint for an aromatic, slightly sweet variation.
Nut Alternatives: Pine nuts are typically used in pesto, but they can be expensive or difficult to find. Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives. Walnuts, almonds, or cashews are excellent substitutes that will still give you a rich and creamy pesto. Each nut brings its own flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences or what you have available.
Cheese Substitutes: Traditional pesto recipes call for Parmesan, but if you’re vegan or dairy-free, you can easily replace it with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese. These options will still provide that nutty, cheesy flavor that makes pesto so irresistible.
Protein Additions: If you want to make this dish more filling or turn it into a complete meal, adding protein is a great option. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sautéed tofu are all wonderful additions to pesto penne pasta. They not only make the dish more substantial but also introduce new textures and flavors.
Perfect Pairings with Pesto Penne Pasta
Pesto Penne Pasta pairs well with a variety of side dishes and beverages. If you want to keep the meal light, consider serving the pasta with a refreshing side salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the richness of the pesto, providing a nice balance of flavors.
For a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes are an excellent choice. The natural sweetness of roasted veggies enhances the pesto’s herbaceous notes, creating a satisfying side dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious.
If you’re serving Pesto Penne Pasta for a dinner party or gathering, a freshly baked loaf of garlic bread or focaccia would make a fantastic accompaniment. The crunchy, buttery texture of the bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto sauce, ensuring that every last bit of the dish is enjoyed.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Pesto Penne Pasta
In conclusion, Pesto Penne Pasta is a simple yet delightful dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, making it perfect for a variety of occasions, from busy weeknights to festive dinner parties. The combination of fresh pesto, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich Parmesan makes every bite a memorable experience. It’s a recipe that can be easily customized to suit your preferences, and its health benefits add another layer of appeal.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy with family or a dish that will impress your guests, Pesto Penne Pasta fits the bill. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, you can create a dish that feels luxurious without any of the stress. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you’ll never tire of it. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, loved by everyone who tastes it. Enjoy the delightful simplicity of Pesto Penne Pasta and bring a little bit of Italy into your home today.