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–+ servings
A bowl of delicious pesto pasta, a quick and easy weeknight meal from our Pasta Recipes in 10 Minutes collection.

10-Minute Pesto Pasta

This quick pesto pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's fast, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pesto
  • 20 cloves garlic
  • 20 basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
For the Pasta
  • 1 pound elbow pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 shallot chopped

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Make pesto by combining garlic, basil, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a food processor. Blend until it looks like chunky pesto.
  2. Boil water with salt and add pasta. Cook for 1 minute less than package instructions. Save 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Drain the pasta. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and the chopped shallot. Sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add the garlic pesto to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  5. Add the drained pasta and the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Stir for 1 minute to combine. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is a great base. Feel free to add other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach, or a protein like grilled chicken.

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