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Home Pasta

Pesto Pasta – with plenty of pesto sauce!

By:Nagi
Published:20 Feb '19Updated:2 Nov '20
73 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Anyone can make a Pesto Pasta, but not everyone knows how to make a pesto pasta that’s slick with plenty of pesto sauce without adding tons of extra oil! Here’s how I make it.

Try this with homemade pesto. It’s amazing!

Pesto pasta spaghetti on a plate, ready to be eaten

How to make a JUICY pesto pasta with pesto sauce

If you’ve ever made pesto pasta and found that it a bit on the dry side, then tried to salvage it by adding more and more olive oil only to end up with an excessively greasy pasta, you’ll love the technique I’m sharing today:

Add pasta cooking water

It will thin out the pesto so it coats everything nicely and creates a glossy pesto sauce that coats every bit of pasta. The starch in the water emulsifies with the pesto, which simply means the fat in the pesto + starch in the water thickens. Just like when you shake up salad dressings – same thing. 🙂

It’s the “proper” way to make pastas, a technique used in every Italian household and restaurants all over the world. Regular readers here are sick of reading about it – I write about it in every pasta recipe, from Shredded Beef Ragu to classic Bolognese, to Spaghetti Marinara!

How to make the best pesto pasta - use pasta cooking water

And THAT is the secret to making a JUICY pesto pasta that’s slick with pesto sauce without adding tons and tons of extra oil!

Tossing pesto pasta

Best pasta for pesto

You can make pesto pasta with any pasta your heart desires. And even in today’s recipe video, I say to use your favourite pasta.

But I do have my preferences. My favourite is penne or ziti (which is just penne with a smooth surface). I find it’s the easiest to toss for even distribution and you get the “juiciest” pesto pasta.

Spaghetti and other thin(-ish) long strand pastas are my next favourite. I find that it’s not quite as easy to toss the pesto through and the more you work the pasta, the less saucy it becomes (though you just keep adding pasta cooking water, but there’s only so much you can add).

Twirls and other shapes with “crevices” rate lower just because there’s far more surface area so somehow, I just feel a bit pesto deprived.

Pesto Pasta ziti in a bowl, ready to be eaten

Pesto pasta tips

I say that pesto pasta is one of the simplest pastas to make, but I do have a few tips to share – lessons learned from my own mistakes!

  • Toss in a bowl, not the pot you cooked the pasta in – basil doesn’t like heat. It turns black. The heat from the pasta is ok – but if you add the heat from the pot, the basil won’t like it.

  • Do not toss on the stove! Again – black basil.

  • Take out 1 cup of pasta cooking water just before you drain (not earlier, otherwise it’s not starchy enough). Take out way more than you think you need, you might need it. You will be surprised how much the pasta can absorb – I used 3/4 cup for 300g/10oz pasta for the spaghetti in the video (because I kept tossing to film and it kept sucking up the sauce!)

  • Salt the water – Pesto usually isn’t (and should not be) seasoned enough such that you don’t need to add any other salt once tossed through pasta. The best way to season Pesto Pasta is to salt the water.

  • DO NOT REHEAT leftover pesto pasta! Again – black pesto. 😭 Eat at room temp – that’s the best you can do.

I’m sharing these tips on the assumption that you’re using a homemade pesto (basil or otherwise). I actually haven’t used store bought pesto enough to know if it will turn black from heat.

Fork twirling pesto pasta

These recipe steps apply irrespective of what type of pesto you are using – basil, rocket/arugula, spinach etc – there’s a nice list of options in my homemade pesto recipe. The image below is a rocket/arugula and walnut pesto – I love the combination of the spicy rocket and slightly bitter walnuts.

Whatever type pf pesto you use, finishing with a nice sprinkle of parmesan is not optional! – Nagi x


Try these on the side

  • Caprese Salad – juicy tomato and pops of tartness from the balsamic glaze are a great match!

  • Any salad or steamed vegetables with Italian Dressing or Balsamic Dressing

  • Toss some halved cherry tomatoes into the pasta, and/or a handful of spinach or rocket/arugula

And for Pasta Monsters

  • Everybody’s favourite everyday Bolognese

  • Slow Cooked Shredded Beef Ragu or try this Italian Sausage and Beef Ragu

  • Baked Ziti – the mother of all pasta bakes!

  • Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

  • Alfredo Pasta

  • Pasta alla Norma – Sicilian eggplant, tomato and basil pasta

  • Browse all pasta recipes

Close up of Rocket walnut pesto pasta in a rustic bowl, ready to be eaten

Pesto pasta
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Fork twirling pesto pasta

JUICY Pesto Pasta!

Author: Nagi
Mains, Pasta
American-Italian
5 from 27 votes
Servings3 - 4 people
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 48
Recipe video above. This is how to make a great pesto pasta that's slick with pesto sauce without adding tons and tons of oil which makes it overly oily. The secret is using the pasta cooking water - it emulsifies with the oil in the pesto which makes it cling to every strand of pasta. A technique used in every Italian household! Make this with homemade pesto for the best flavour.

Ingredients

  • 1 quantity homemade pesto (Note 1)
  • 300 - 350 g / 10 - 12 oz pasta of choice (ziti, penne and spaghetti are my favourites, Note 2)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup pasta cooking water
  • Parmesan, for serving

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to the boil with the salt.
  • Add pasta and cook for the length of time per the packet.
  • Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of of the pasta cooking water.
  • Drain pasta in a colander, leave it for a minute.
  • Transfer pasta to a bowl (do not use pasta cooking pot, too hot).
  • Add pesto and 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss to coat pasta in pesto, adding more water if required to make pasta silky and saucy, rather than dry and sticky.
  • Taste, add more salt and pepper if desired.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parmesan.

Recipe Notes:

1. Pesto - This recipe is intended for use with this homemade pesto which I also shared today. But the same technique applies to store bought. If using store bought, use 1/2 cup+. Usually require less than when using homemade because they have a more concentrated flavour from basil extract.
2. Pasta - Ziti and penne are my favourites for pesto (explained in post). Spaghetti is next, then other long strand pastas.
  • Use 300g/10oz for a really great coating of pesto sauce - 3 large servings, 4 smallish servings.
  • Use up to 350g/12oz for "normal" amount of pesto sauce to pasta - 4 standard servings.
  • Don't use more pasta for one batch of homemade pesto, the pasta will lack pesto flavour.
3. General:
  • Never toss pesto pasta on a hot stove, heat will make basil black!
  • Some people like a squeeze of lemon juice to finish
  • Leftovers - store in fridge in super airtight container
  • Do not reheat leftovers - will also make basil black. Just bring to room temp then consume - pesto pasta at room temp is so good!
Keywords: Pesto pasta
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @recipe_tin.

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73 Comments

  1. Sydney says

    January 30, 2021 at 6:55 am

    Great idea to use the starchy pasta water, but what if you have a lot of leftover pasta, and no water? Would boiled water with salt and maybe a teaspoon or less flour work? I made pesto pasta with chicken and broccoli last night, and my husband remarked that it was delicious, but a little dry – your website was a great discovery to remedy that problem! TIA!

    Reply
  2. Felicity Pontoni says

    January 5, 2021 at 11:17 am

    5 stars
    First time making pesto sauce …nailed it in my new Nutribullet and parmesan grated with my new microplane from your kitchen equipment recommendations. Thanks for another winner Nagi.

    Reply
  3. Holley says

    November 21, 2020 at 3:15 pm

    Hi Nagi.
    We’re vegetarians and tin eats has become a household name – brilliant tips and sauces.
    As a thank you I thought I’d pass on a tip re avoiding the horror of ‘black pesto’.
    Contrary to heat turning basil black, I make pesto by first plunging the leaves into boiling water for a few seconds then into iced water – drain them and lightly pat dry with paper towel or cloth.
    They look damp, limp and reduced in bulk (as spinach does) so I use more basil than the recipe requires and less oil, then blend it. The flavour is richer and the pesto remains green for over a week. I make it in bulk and freeze half in ice cube trays.
    When I want to make a pesto pasta sauce I add a mashed avocado with a squeeze of lemon juice – more or less in equal volumes.
    The result is a tasty, creamy, not at all oily sauce. I’m sure you could perfect this in ways I couldn’t imagine

    Reply
  4. Rich says

    August 1, 2020 at 6:28 am

    5 stars
    I made the orecchiette and sausage– OUTSTANDING– as is usual with stuff I make with Nagi and Dozer. 🥰🥰

    Reply
  5. LANCE GRIFFITH says

    July 17, 2020 at 5:27 am

    I’m going to try this recipe tonight, but I have to use gluten free pasta… Any suggestions? Should I still reserve some pasta water for this?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      July 17, 2020 at 8:10 am

      Hi Lance, I would cook the same way – it’s the starch in the water that causes the sauce to thicken (not gluten). N x

      Reply
  6. Ania says

    June 19, 2020 at 6:29 am

    5 stars
    Wow this recipe is incredible. This is the best pesto pasta I have ever tried and I can’t thank you enough for this recipe :). I added a spoon of lemon juice to the pesto sauce and it was great. Beyond delicious! Thank you 🙂

    Reply
  7. Deb Stanton says

    May 17, 2020 at 5:33 am

    5 stars
    Amazing! I followed the recipe and added a bit of roasted chicken to it. It was soooo good! The next day I heated it up in the microwave and it was yummy. The pesto didn’t turn black on me! Btw, I used Costco’s Pesto.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 17, 2020 at 8:18 am

      Sounds perfect Deb! N x

      Reply
  8. Heather says

    May 11, 2020 at 5:31 pm

    5 stars
    So tasty and versatile. Made this tonight with homemade fettuccine. We devoured it all so no leftovers for tomorrow.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 12, 2020 at 12:29 pm

      Perfect Heather – sounds great! N x

      Reply
  9. Nurul says

    May 6, 2020 at 2:14 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi,
    I have been following your recipes and it is fantastic. I love the tips you put in every recipes as it really helps me in making the dish better.
    Thanks again and keep on coming with new recipes.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 6, 2020 at 8:43 pm

      That’s great to hear, thanks so much Nurul 🙂 N x

      Reply
  10. Anna says

    May 1, 2020 at 3:49 pm

    Hi Nagi! Do you think ground beef or turkey would go well with this? It’s all I have on hand. I was thinking, cook the beef separately first, then mix it though the pesto and pasta?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 1, 2020 at 6:55 pm

      Sure could Anna!! Enjoy! N x

      Reply
  11. Nabilah says

    April 5, 2020 at 5:22 pm

    5 stars
    i just made this, and it was a huge hit with my family! they really loved the distinct garlic taste and how creamy it was!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 5, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      I’m so glad you loved it Nabilah!! N x

      Reply
  12. Diane says

    March 26, 2020 at 9:37 am

    Nagi, Thank you for the wonderful pesto pasta. My grand children love it. I was having the most difficult time keeping the sauce from getting gunkie, but you provided the ideal answer with using the water. The sauce is totally great. I am going to try some of your other recipes. Great cooking!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 26, 2020 at 10:41 am

      You’re forever changed Diane!! N x

      Reply
  13. Melanie W says

    March 19, 2020 at 6:02 am

    Love this ! Your site is my daily go-to.. 🙂 many thanks for all of the wonderfully delicious recipes. …and tips!

    Reply
  14. Colleen Murphy says

    March 4, 2020 at 9:12 am

    5 stars
    I made this last night with your homemade pesto recipe. A surprising consequence of the corona virus is that I didn’t have much of a choice of pasta at the supermarket. I bought bowties & it was delicious. If this scare goes on too much longer I’m going to have to get the pasta machine out & start making fresh pasta!!!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      March 4, 2020 at 9:50 am

      But then you’ll need FLOUR and the stores are completely out of flour now too!! 😂

      Reply
  15. Leisa says

    September 11, 2019 at 12:32 pm

    Nagi, yet another recipe that we make constantly! We eat this every time i get fresh basil. Using your pesto recipe, it’s one of my kids favourites. Adding the little bit of pasta water makes it a great consistency.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      September 11, 2019 at 7:57 pm

      YESSSS!!! Thanks so much for letting me know Leisa!

      Reply
  16. BeckBeck says

    June 29, 2019 at 9:23 am

    5 stars
    I just finished cooking this now and my daughter is excited for the green spaghetti. I made your homemade pesto with spinach, a bit of basil paste, and chickpeas instead of nuts. I also used a bit of the chickpea water and less oil.

    The only problem was I kept eating the pesto before the pasta was cooked. Everyone seems to like it!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 29, 2019 at 9:24 am

      Woah that sounds great BeckBeck!

      Reply
  17. Jason Lee says

    February 24, 2019 at 9:45 pm

    5 stars
    You’ve done it again Nagi – You’ve taken something I make often and shown me how to do it better! I get the fresh Pesto from Costco usually for convenience but this way means I use less Pesto and actually get a better balanced result.
    Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 27, 2019 at 9:32 pm

      Love to know what you think if you get a chance to try it Jason! 🙂 N x

      Reply
      • Jason Lee says

        March 12, 2019 at 10:29 am

        5 stars
        I did try it, that was my verdict 🙂

        Quick question though – what would you do if cooking fresh pasta, would you still use the pasta water – I’m assuming there would be less starch as it cooked in about 5 mins x

        Reply
  18. Meredith says

    February 24, 2019 at 6:34 am

    5 stars
    This is a wonderful recipe in which the basil was the star instead of the olive oil.. I love pasta tossed in pesto but it always seems to be too oily, even when I order it at “authentic” Italian restaurants. I inevitably end up with pasta drowned in a pool of olive oil on my plate. I don’t know if that is a problem that is unique to the US where we tend towards the excessive. I used basil and cashews and I found this pesto to be bright and wonderfully fragrant. I also added a bit of the salted pasta water when tossing and there was no trace of excess olive oil. Absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 27, 2019 at 9:31 pm

      Not unique to the States, the pesto pasta here is pretty oily too 🙂 Restaurants tend to finish pasta off with a good drizzle of oil, I find that’s what makes them extra oily. I am really glad you enjoyed this one! N x

      Reply
  19. Carroll says

    February 22, 2019 at 2:07 pm

    Costco has the best pesto.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      February 27, 2019 at 9:30 pm

      Thanks for the tip Carroll! N x

      Reply
  20. Vera G says

    February 22, 2019 at 9:28 am

    Love walnut and rocket, yum. Haven’t made in long time, Thanks for reminding me. Dozer looks good but bread is not interesting. Have good weekend!!

    Reply
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Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

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