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21 Fresh and Flavorful Pesto Pasta Recipes

Pesto pasta always hits different. It’s herby, garlicky, and full of flavor without needing much effort. Whether we’re making it from scratch or popping open a jar, pesto instantly transforms plain pasta into something bold, fresh, and ready to go. And once we start mixing it with different proteins, cheeses, or veggies—it opens up a whole new world of dinner ideas.

This list is packed with combos that are quick to make and even better the next day. Some are creamy, some are bright and lemony, and a few go full comfort-mode with chicken or shrimp. No matter the season or the pasta shape, these 21 recipes prove there’s more than one way to do pesto right.

1. Classic Basil Pesto Pasta

The Best Basil Pesto Pasta – Just a Taste
Whip up a restaurant-worthy recipe for the best basil pesto that’s perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta.
Check out this recipe

The one that started it all—fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and a handful of parmesan.

This version keeps it traditional with a simple basil pesto tossed over hot pasta. We usually add a splash of pasta water to make the sauce coat every bite. Serve it warm or cold, solo or as a side—it works every time.

Why it works

  • Bright, herby flavor with no extra steps
  • Comes together in minutes
  • Great base for add-ins if we want to level it up

What we need

  • Fresh basil pesto
  • Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or fusilli)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil
  • Pine nuts (optional)

2. Pesto Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Pesto Pasta with Chicken
Pesto pasta topped with smoky grilled chicken a squeeze of lemon and fresh basil. This pesto pasta is easy to make and bursting with so much flavor!
Check out this recipe

Hearty and packed with flavor, this one makes a full meal out of pesto pasta.

We season and grill chicken breasts, slice them thin, and toss them into warm pesto-coated pasta. It’s a solid weeknight meal that tastes like something we’d get from a café. Add arugula or cherry tomatoes to make it even more filling.

Why it works

  • Chicken adds protein without overpowering the pesto
  • Grilling brings in smoky flavor
  • Holds up well for leftovers

What we need

  • Basil pesto
  • Grilled chicken breast
  • Bowtie or penne pasta
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional)

3. Creamy Pesto Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta – This quick creamy sun dried tomato pesto pasta recipe is great for easy weeknight dinners!
Check out this recipe

A rich twist that still tastes fresh—pesto meets cream, and it totally works.

We stir a splash of cream or half-and-half into the pesto for a silkier texture, then mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The result is creamy, tangy, and herb-forward all at once.

Why it works

  • Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and chew
  • Cream smooths out the pesto without muting it
  • Perfect for short pasta shapes that catch the sauce

What we need

  • Basil pesto
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Shell or fusilli pasta
  • Parmesan cheese

4. Pesto Tortellini with Baby Spinach

Ravioli or Tortellini With Pesto and Spinach Recipe – Food.com
Great simple yet tasty recipe that let’s you get out of the kitchen and your family to the dinner table FAST! Great summer meal when you don’t want to
Check out this recipe

Cheese-stuffed pasta, tossed in pesto, with greens that wilt just enough—this one’s a keeper.

We cook fresh tortellini, toss it in pesto, and stir in a handful of baby spinach while it’s still hot. It’s fast, cozy, and filling without being heavy. Add toasted walnuts for extra crunch.

Why it works

  • Spinach wilts perfectly from the heat of the pasta
  • Tortellini adds richness without needing meat
  • Great for fast lunches or light dinners

What we need

  • Cheese tortellini
  • Basil pesto
  • Baby spinach
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Walnuts (optional)

5. Lemon Pesto Pasta with Asparagus

Spring Pesto Pasta with Asparagus
Spring pesto pasta with asparagus and chives is light and made with simple ingredients in under 20 minutes. Serve it hot for dinner or cold as pasta salad. | aheadofthyme.com
Check out this recipe

Light, zesty, and made for spring—even if it’s not spring.

We add lemon juice and zest to pesto for extra brightness, then toss in blanched asparagus cut into bite-sized pieces. It’s green on green, but every flavor pops. Add crumbled feta or goat cheese if we want a little tang.

Why it works

  • Lemon cuts through the richness of the pesto
  • Asparagus adds snap and freshness
  • Feels fancy, but takes under 30 minutes

What we need

  • Basil pesto
  • Penne or orecchiette pasta
  • Asparagus
  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Feta cheese (optional)

6. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Pesto Linguine

Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Pesto Pasta.
Cajun Garlic Butter Shrimp with Creamy Pesto Pasta…every twirl has delicious, cozy, and comforting fresh flavors that melt in your mouth!
Check out this recipe

This pasta feels like something we’d order on vacation—garlicky shrimp, buttery sauce, and fresh pesto.

We sear shrimp in garlic and butter until they’re tender and juicy, then toss them right into pesto-coated linguine. The garlic butter blends into the pesto perfectly, making every bite taste rich and flavorful. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together faster than takeout.

Why it works

  • Shrimp cooks in minutes, perfect for busy nights
  • Garlic butter adds depth and smoothness
  • Feels luxurious without complicated steps

What we need

  • Shrimp
  • Linguine pasta
  • Basil pesto
  • Fresh garlic
  • Butter

7. Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta Bake

Roasted Vegetable Pesto Pasta
Roasted Veg Pesto Pasta – Cherry tomatoes, roasted with garlic, onion, courgette & peppers, tossed together with pasta, pesto and cream – an easy, meat-free meal, where the oven does most of the work.
Check out this recipe

Fresh pasta, roasted veggies, and melted mozzarella—all baked together into a cozy dish.

This one’s perfect when we want something comforting, yet packed with vegetables. We roast zucchini, peppers, and cherry tomatoes until they caramelize, mix them into pesto-covered pasta, and bake everything under a layer of bubbly mozzarella. It’s hearty, colorful, and feels good to eat.

Why it works

  • Roasting vegetables deepens their flavor and sweetness
  • Melted cheese brings it all together
  • Ideal for meal prepping or feeding a crowd

What we need

  • Penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Basil pesto
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Zucchini and bell peppers
  • Cherry tomatoes

8. Creamy Chicken Pesto Penne

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe – Budget Bytes
This super lush and Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot and is done in under 30 minutes!
Check out this recipe

Tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and bright pesto—this pasta is satisfying without being too heavy.

We start by sautéing chicken breast until it’s golden and juicy, then fold it into a creamy pesto sauce with penne pasta. It’s smooth, savory, and full of protein—perfect when we want something that’s comforting but still fresh enough for any season.

Why it works

  • Chicken adds filling protein and savory depth
  • Cream balances pesto’s strong flavors
  • Quick enough for a weekday dinner, nice enough for guests

What we need

  • Chicken breast
  • Penne pasta
  • Basil pesto
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese

9. Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad

Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad – Cupful of Kale
Summery, flavour packed sun dried tomato pesto pasta salad. It’s juicy, vegan and makes the perfect side dish or lunch! Ready in 20 mins!
Check out this recipe

Tangy tomatoes, leafy spinach, and creamy mozzarella make this pasta salad picnic-perfect.

We toss cooked pasta with basil pesto, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh baby spinach, and small mozzarella balls. The flavors deepen as it chills, making this salad even better the next day. It’s ideal for potlucks, meal prep lunches, or as a vibrant side dish for grilled meats.

Why it works

  • Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness and tangy bite
  • Spinach brings freshness and color
  • Easy make-ahead dish that tastes great cold

What we need

  • Short pasta (fusilli or rotini)
  • Basil pesto
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Baby spinach
  • Fresh mozzarella balls

10. Pesto Gnocchi with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Pesto Gnocchi with Charred Cherry Tomatoes
Tender gnocchi pair perfectly with basil pesto and oven-charred cherry tomatoes for an amazing meal ready to eat in 25 minutes!
Check out this recipe

Soft gnocchi, fresh pesto, and juicy tomatoes create a dish that’s both comforting and fresh.

We pan-fry gnocchi until they’re lightly crisp outside, then toss with fresh pesto and quickly sautéed cherry tomatoes. The tomatoes burst open, releasing their juices, blending perfectly with pesto for a sweet, garlicky sauce. It’s hearty without being heavy, great for a quick weeknight meal.

Why it works

  • Gnocchi cooks in minutes and has a comforting texture
  • Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and balance
  • Quick and easy, but still feels special

What we need

  • Potato gnocchi
  • Basil pesto
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil

11. Pesto Pasta Primavera

Pesto Penne Primavera
Homemade pesto primavera with fresh asparagus, zucchini, and penne pasta deliver a great summer dish to the dinner table.
Check out this recipe

Fresh veggies tossed in pesto pasta—perfect for when we want something colorful, healthy, and satisfying.

We sauté crisp veggies like asparagus, carrots, and zucchini, then fold them into pesto-coated pasta. The veggies stay bright and crunchy, adding texture and freshness to each bite. It’s the kind of pasta we reach for when we’re craving a lighter dinner, or when we have produce in the fridge that needs using up.

Why it works

  • Veggies keep their texture and fresh flavor
  • Versatile—use whatever vegetables we have on hand
  • Feels healthy yet satisfying and hearty

What we need

  • Fusilli or farfalle pasta
  • Basil pesto
  • Asparagus and zucchini
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Carrots

12. Salmon and Pesto Linguine

Salmon Linguine with Wild Garlic Pesto – The Frugal Flexitarian
Use your seasonal wild garlic to make this easy pesto to serve with salmon linguine. A simple pasta dish with fresh salmon and homemade pesto
Check out this recipe

Tender, flaky salmon paired with vibrant pesto—this pasta feels elegant but is incredibly simple.

We quickly sear salmon fillets until crispy outside and flaky inside, then break them gently into pesto-coated linguine. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy—great for date night at home or just an easy upgrade from our regular pasta routine.

Why it works

  • Salmon adds richness without heaviness
  • Simple prep with a sophisticated result
  • Balanced flavors that pair beautifully together

What we need

  • Salmon fillets
  • Linguine pasta
  • Basil pesto
  • Fresh lemon
  • Olive oil

13. Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad with Whole Food Ingredients
Summer just doesn’t feel complete without a delicious chicken pesto pasta salad on the table! Here’s how to make one of our favorite sides.
Check out this recipe

Cold, creamy, and packed with grilled chicken—this one’s perfect for meal prep or picnics.

We combine grilled chicken, bowtie pasta, and cherry tomatoes with a creamy pesto dressing. Chill it for a couple hours and it becomes even better—perfect as a make-ahead lunch or as a hearty side dish at a gathering.

Why it works

  • Chicken makes it filling enough for a full meal
  • Great for meal prepping ahead of time
  • Creamy pesto dressing coats every ingredient evenly

What we need

  • Grilled chicken breast
  • Bowtie pasta
  • Basil pesto
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Greek yogurt or mayo

14. Pesto Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto

Pesto Prosciutto Pasta (gluten free)
Gluten free pesto pasta with crispy prosciutto, fresh peas, and creamy mozzarella! Simple and delicious fancy pasta at home!
Check out this recipe

Salty prosciutto crisped to perfection tossed into pasta with pesto—simple ingredients, big flavors.

We crisp thin slices of prosciutto in a pan, crumble them over pesto pasta, and finish with parmesan. It’s salty, savory, and incredibly easy, yet feels restaurant-level with almost no extra effort.

Why it works

  • Prosciutto adds savory crispness and depth
  • Quick cooking, minimal cleanup
  • Simple ingredients create a surprisingly complex flavor

What we need

  • Prosciutto
  • Basil pesto
  • Pasta (penne or spaghetti)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil

15. Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

Creamy Avocado Pesto
Top your shrimp pasta with a creamy avocado pesto made with basil, Romano cheese, and an avocado. It’s rich and smooth but made without any dairy!
Check out this recipe

Smooth, creamy avocado blended into pesto for an ultra-rich, healthier pasta sauce.

We blend ripe avocado into fresh pesto, creating a silky-smooth, vibrant sauce. It coats pasta beautifully and feels indulgent without heavy cream or butter. Perfect for vegans or anyone craving a healthier take on creamy pasta.

Why it works

  • Avocado makes the sauce creamy without dairy
  • Fresh, vibrant taste with healthy fats
  • Feels indulgent, but still nutritious and fresh

What we need

  • Ripe avocados
  • Basil pesto
  • Linguine or spaghetti
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Cherry tomatoes (optional)

16. Pesto Pasta with Burrata and Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted Tomatoes Burrata Pasta with Pesto (gf option)
Roasted Tomatoes Burrata Pasta with Pesto is the perfect summer pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make. Vegetarian and gluten-free option.
Check out this recipe

Silky burrata cheese meets pesto pasta and juicy tomatoes—it’s creamy, fresh, and totally addictive.

We toss hot pasta with pesto, fresh cherry tomatoes, and finish it with torn pieces of creamy burrata on top. The burrata melts slightly from the pasta’s heat, creating a luxurious, creamy layer over everything. It feels special, even though it’s quick enough to make any night.

Why it works

  • Burrata adds creamy indulgence
  • Fresh tomatoes bring brightness and sweetness
  • Quick prep but feels gourmet

What we need

  • Burrata cheese
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Basil pesto
  • Linguine or spaghetti
  • Olive oil

17. Pesto Pasta with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta for dinner just got a little bit more exciting with this roasted red pepper pesto pasta recipe. Super easy to bring together, but with a fun twist of flavor from the roasted red peppers.
Check out this recipe

Tangy feta, sweet roasted peppers, and fresh pesto—a Mediterranean twist that’s full of bold flavors.

We combine pesto-coated pasta with sweet roasted red peppers and salty crumbled feta cheese. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and full of Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Great served warm for dinner, or cold as a vibrant pasta salad the next day.

Why it works

  • Roasted peppers add sweetness and depth
  • Feta provides tangy contrast
  • Ideal as leftovers for easy lunches

What we need

  • Roasted red peppers
  • Feta cheese
  • Basil pesto
  • Short pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • Olive oil

18. Vegan Spinach and Walnut Pesto Pasta

Spinach & Walnut Dairy Free Pesto (Vegan)
This delicious and super easy spinach and walnut dairy free pesto is one of the most versatile sauces that you need!
Check out this recipe

Rich, creamy vegan pesto made from spinach and walnuts—it’s healthy, hearty, and dairy-free.

We blend spinach, walnuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast into a creamy vegan pesto, then toss it with pasta. It’s hearty, filling, and loaded with nutrients, perfect for meatless Mondays or anyone looking for dairy-free alternatives.

Why it works

  • Spinach adds nutrition without overpowering flavor
  • Walnuts provide creamy texture and healthy fats
  • Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy depth

What we need

  • Fresh spinach
  • Walnuts
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
  • Olive oil

19. Bacon and Pesto Pasta

Bacon Pesto Pasta
Bacon Pesto Pasta is a quick and simple weeknight dinner. Store-bought pesto keeps the recipe easy and greens keep it healthy
Check out this recipe

Crispy bacon, savory pesto, and pasta—it’s simple comfort food with big, bold flavor.

We crisp up bacon in a pan, then toss it into pesto-coated pasta along with a sprinkle of parmesan. The salty crunch of bacon complements the fresh pesto perfectly. This pasta’s easy enough for any weeknight, but delicious enough for company.

Why it works

  • Bacon adds savory crunch
  • Simple ingredients that pack huge flavor
  • Hearty and comforting, yet fresh tasting

What we need

  • Bacon
  • Basil pesto
  • Short pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Olive oil

20. Pesto Pasta with Grilled Vegetables

Grilled Vegetable Pesto Pasta
Grilled Vegetable Pesto Pasta is full of fresh summer vegetables! Tossed in pesto and topped with parmesan cheese it’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
Check out this recipe

Charred, smoky veggies tossed with fresh pesto pasta—ideal for outdoor meals or lighter dinners.

We grill veggies like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers until tender and lightly charred, then fold them into pesto pasta. The grilling adds smoky depth, balancing the fresh flavor of pesto perfectly. Great for backyard BBQs or an easy dinner.

Why it works

  • Grilled vegetables add depth and smoky flavor
  • Fresh pesto complements grilled veggies perfectly
  • Easy, healthy, and versatile for any season

What we need

  • Zucchini and eggplant
  • Bell peppers
  • Basil pesto
  • Short pasta (farfalle or penne)
  • Olive oil

21. Spicy Pesto Pasta Arrabbiata

Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka.
30 mins, one pot…this silky smooth, extra creamy Spicy Pesto Pasta Alla Vodka is the perfect cozy winter recipe for serving friends + family
Check out this recipe

Classic pesto meets spicy tomato sauce for pasta with a kick—a bold twist on a favorite.

We stir pesto into a spicy arrabbiata sauce made with crushed tomatoes and red pepper flakes, coating every strand of pasta in vibrant flavor. It’s hot, bright, and incredibly satisfying for spice-lovers.

Why it works

  • Spicy tomato sauce complements pesto’s richness
  • Easy way to upgrade classic pesto pasta
  • Perfect for anyone who loves bold, spicy dishes

What we need

  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Basil pesto
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Pasta (spaghetti or penne)
  • Parmesan cheese

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