Pesto Pasta – easy one pot 4 ingredient recipe. Packed with garlic-herb flavor this delicious meal is ready in just 15 minutes!

black plate with pesto pasta and fork twirled in pasta

The almost always have the ingredients on hand for this easy Pesto Pasta.

It’s my go-to easy recipe – ready in 15 minutes – it’s perfect for busy weeknights — or anytime I don’t feel like cooking.

It’s packed with ​fresh flavors and calls for just 4 basic ingredients — pasta, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. From there you can add all sorts of ingredients you may already have in the fridge!

black plate of pasta garnished with bail and buratta

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

  • This pasta dish whips up in 15 minutes from 4 simple ingredients from the grocery store.
  • Using store-bought basil pesto make this recipe quick and easy!
  • This is an easy dinner idea for comfort food that doesn’t take all day to make.
  • You’ll be amazed at how much flavor there is in just a few minutes.

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE PESTO PASTA?

  1. pasta (any kind you have on hand – thin spaghetti used)
  2. basil pesto (homemade or store bought)
  3. sun dried tomatoes in olive oil (cut in strips)
  4. fresh grated Parmesan cheese (optional: burrata)

HOW TO MAKE PESTO PASTA:

Using a large pot, deep skillet or dutch oven, bring water to boil over medium heat to medium-high heat then give it a generous pinch of salt.

Add the pasta and cook per package directions for al dente (cooking time will vary with the type of pasta used)

Ladle out about 1/2 cup of pasta water (you may not use it all), set it aside then drain the pasta.

Transfer the drained cooked pasta to the pot, add the pesto, sun dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of pasta water then toss well to coat. If your sauce seems dry, add a couple more tablespoons of pasta water but don’t overdo the water.

Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top, then serve right away with some good crusty bread and extra cheese on the table.

black plate with pesto pasta garnished with fresh basil leaves

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS TO CUSTOMIZE THIS RECIPE:

  • burrata or mozzarella balls
  • fresh ​cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes
  • asparagus spears
  • leftover or fresh cooked chicken breasts
  • shrimp (can cook right in the sauce)
  • a pinch of red pepper flakes
  • blend in some softened cream cheese for a creamy pesto sauce.
  • wilt in a handful of fresh spinach
  • use different dry pasta shapes – or even gluten-free pasta
  • fresh herbs like basil leaves – would be a great addition.
  • a squeeze of lemon juice
  • pine nuts

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE PESTO:

To get this meal on the table in just 15 minutes I use good quality store-bought pesto.

When I have more time I make my own with fresh herbs and good quality ​olive oil.

Basil Spinach Pesto ~ a simple no-cook sauce delicious on pasta, pizza or as an appetizer, made completely in a food processor or blender.

HOW TO SAFELY STORE LEFTOVERS:

Cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge up to 3 days.

LOOKING FOR MORE ONE POT PASTA RECIPES?

Skillet Lasagna

Hamburger Helper Ground Beef Stroganoff

One Pot Sausage Rigatoni

Enjoy!

pinterest pin showing pesto pasta with fork twirling

Tried this easy Pesto Pasta recipe? Leave a comment, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and TAG ME with a photo of yours on social media! @agoudalife or #agoudalife

black plate with pesto pasta and fork twirled in pasta

Pesto Pasta Recipe

20 minute, 4 ingredient Pesto Pasta with sun dried tomatoes and homemade OR store bought pesto.
5 from 7 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta any kind
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto homemade OR store bought
  • 1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes sliced into strips
  • freshly grated parmesan cheese (+ optional: burrata)
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • reserved pasta water

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil then season the water with salt. Add the pasta and cook per package directions for al dente.
  • Before you drain the pasta, ladle out about 1/2 cup of pasta water and set it aside. 
  • Transfer the drained pasta to the pot, add the pesto, sun dried tomatoes and 1/4 cup of pasta water then toss to completely coat. If your sauce seems dry, add a couple more tablespoons of pasta water but don’t overdo the water.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top (optional: burrata) then serve right away with some good crusty bread and extra cheese at the table. 
Keyword pesto pasta, 30 minute meals, pasta, pesto
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
5 from 7 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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13 Comments

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  2. Hello,

    Are you adding in the tomatoes at the same time as the pesto?…This recipe sounds great and I’m going to try it this evening…I want something with great flavor and quick to make.

    Thanks

    1. Hi Jeff – thanks so much for the extra set of eyes on this – I will update the post! Yes – add the sun dried tomatoes at the same time as the pesto. They don’t need to cook – just warm. I hope you enjoy the recipe. – Bernie

  3. This dish is really easy to prepare, and it’s always a hit in my house! I used Barilla’s Rustic Pesto for a hint of garlic. I lightly sautéed it on low heat for 30 seconds before adding the pasta and tomatoes to emphasize the pesto flavor. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!