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Garlic Pesto Pasta

Our easy Garlic Pesto Pasta is a quick recipe with rich, bold flavors. We use butter, garlic, and pesto to create a creamy, aromatic sauce that perfectly coats each piece of pasta. Incorporating the reserved pasta water is key to a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a side salad or protein for a more filling option.

Garlic Pesto Pasta

Garlic Pesto Pasta

We love whipping up this quick, flavorful recipe because it is so easy to throw together and everyone loves the flavor of pesto! Whether you make your own pesto from scratch or pick up a premade pesto from the store, you’ll have this recipe on the table in under 30 minutes and your family will leave the table with smiles on their faces.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
  • Rich and Flavorful – Garlic, butter, and pesto combine for a deep, savory taste.
  • Perfectly Coated Pasta – Pasta water helps create a silky, well-emulsified sauce.
  • Versatile – Serve alone or with chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.

Want another fantastic, easy dinner recipe? Try this incredibly Easy Taco Salad!

Garlic Pesto Pasta

Garlic Pesto Pasta Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the grocery store or if you have all the ingredients you need for this? Check out this list! For the full ingredients list, including the amounts you’ll need, make sure to scroll to the bottom and view the recipe card.

Ingredients

  • Pasta
  • Butter
  • Garlic, crushed
  • Pasta Water
  • Pesto
  • Shredded Parmesan
Garlic Pesto Pasta

How To Make Garlic Pesto Pasta

Looking to see what you’re getting into here? Below is a general overview of the recipe steps. When you’re cooking, make sure to use the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions.

  1. Boil the Pasta – Cook pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. Sauté Garlic – Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the crushed garlic for about a minute.
  3. Combine Pasta and Pesto – Add the drained pasta and pesto to the skillet, stirring to coat evenly.
  4. Adjust the Sauce – Pour in the reserved pasta water and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens.
  5. Serve – Top with shredded Parmesan and serve hot.
Garlic Pesto Pasta

Pesto Pasta FAQ

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce separately, then combine them when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for pesto?

Use a homemade pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or a garlic butter sauce for a different take.

Can I add protein?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta pair well with this dish.

Garlic Pesto Pasta

Serve This With…

  • Garlic bread
  • Caprese salad
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp

Garlic pesto pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly with just a handful of ingredients. The creamy, garlicky sauce makes it a go-to meal for busy nights, and it’s easily customizable with additional proteins or vegetables.

Garlic Pesto Pasta
Garlic Pesto Pasta

Garlic Pesto Pasta

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This incredibly flavorful garlic pesto pasta makes the perfect side dish and tastes incredible!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 cup pasta water
  • 1/2 cup pesto
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil. It should taste like the sea. I use about a tablespoon of kosher salt per 8 cups of water.
  2. Boil the pasta until it is about 1 minute under al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce.
  4. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the garlic. Let the garlic cook for about a minute.
  5. Add the pasta and the pesto to the pan and stir to combine.
  6. Add the pasta water, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Serve hot, and top with shredded parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 480Total Fat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 432mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 15g

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