Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
A simple and flavorful Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe made with pasta, pesto, onions, and Parmesan cheese. This 15-minute dish is perfect for quick dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Serve warm or chilled — both ways are delicious.
8 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce package of pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- 2½ tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Sauté the Onion:
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 3 minutes.
Incorporate the Pesto:
- Add the prepared pesto to the pan with the onion. Stir gently to combine and heat through. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Continue stirring for 1 minute until the mixture is warmed and aromatic.
Combine with Pasta:
- Pour the pesto-onion mixture over the cooked pasta. Add the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss thoroughly to ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and cheese.
Serve:
- Serve the pesto pasta immediately while warm, or allow it to cool to room temperature and serve chilled. This dish is also excellent when enjoyed as a next-day leftover.
Notes
To prepare this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the standard pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. Ensure that the pesto used is certified gluten-free, as some store-bought varieties may contain traces of gluten from processing. Always verify labels for potential allergens.