Best Pesto And Pasta Recipes

PASTA, PESTO, AND PEAS

Steps:

• Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.
• In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.
• Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.
• Notes: Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.
• To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.

PASTA, GREEN BEANS AND POTATOES WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Make pesto: In the bowl of food processor, add basil, pine nuts, salt and garlic. Pulse until mixture is coarse and grainy. With the motor running, add oil in slow, steady stream. Add cheese; process just enough to mix well. If sauce is too dry, add a little more oil. Taste; add more cheese or salt, if desired.
• Bring 6 quarts water to rolling boil. Add at least 2 tablespoons salt and the potato slices. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until potatoes have started to soften but are not cooked through. Add green beans, and continue boiling another 5 minutes.
• Add pasta, and stir. Start testing pasta at 5 minutes. When it is done, and when potatoes and beans are tender, drain and turn pasta and vegetables immediately into preheated bowl. Add pesto, and mix thoroughly. Serve immediately.

PESTO PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• In blender or food processor, place Pesto ingredients.
• Cover and process on medium speed about 3 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides with rubber spatula, until smooth. Set aside.
• In 4-quart saucepan, heat penne and broth just to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until al dente and liquid is almost absorbed. Remove from heat. Add pesto; stir in chicken and tomatoes; cook over medium 2 to 3 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
• Garnish with basil and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.

CREAMY PESTO PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN, ASPARAGUS AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl; keep chilled until ready to toss with salad. (Store in clean jar with lid.)
• Bring 1 gallon of water and 2 Tbs. of salt to boil in a large soup kettle. Add pasta and, using package times as a guide, boil, stirring frequently and adding asparagus the last 1 minute, until just tender. Drain thoroughly (do not rinse) and dump onto a large, lipped cookie sheet. Set aside to cool while preparing remaining salad ingredients.
• Place all salad ingredients (except buttermilk dressing) in a large bowl or transfer to a gallon-size zippered bag. (Can be covered and refrigerated several hours at this point.) When ready to serve, add dressing; toss to coat and serve.

PASTA WITH PESTO AND SCALLOPS

Steps:

• In a large pot with boiling salted water cook fettuccini pasta until al dente. Drain. Stir in pesto sauce and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion and garlic in 3 tablespoons olive oil until soft. Add green bell pepper, mushrooms and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Stir in dry white wine, lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, and bring to a boil. Add scallops and toss for 2 minutes. Take care not to overcook the scallops, as they will toughen when exposed to prolonged heat.
• Toss the pesto covered pasta with the scallop sauce. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

PHENOMENAL CHICKEN AND PASTA IN CREAMY PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Place basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and tomato in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil, while pulsing, until mixture is smooth and creamy.
• In a bowl, stir together chicken broth, 1 cup white wine, dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Stir in chicken pieces.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
• Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and sprinkle with sugar. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, and cook about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken and marinade. Stir in 1/2 cup white wine. Simmer chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
• Add pasta and pesto to the skillet. Stir in cream, and cook until the sauce is thickened. Adjust salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

TEENA'S SPICY PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Place farfalle pasta in the pot, cook for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Mix in the chile paste and chicken. Cook and stir chicken 10 minutes, or until evenly browned and juices run clear.
• Toss the cooked farfalle, pesto, Parmesan cheese, and cilantro into the skillet, and continue cooking just until heated through.

PASTA WITH PESTO AND PEAS

Steps:

• Cook the peas according to the package instructions and drain. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions.
• Meanwhile, add the basil leaves, mint leaves, pine nuts, garlic, 1/2 cup of the peas, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan and some salt and pepper to a food processor or blender. Turn on the machine, then drizzle in the olive oil while it mixes. Continue blending until combined, adding additional olive oil if needed. Set aside.
• Heat the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
• Drain the pasta and place in a serving bowl. Pour the cream mixture over the top, followed by the pesto. Add the remaining 1 cup peas, toss and serve immediately.

SHRIMP AND SCALLOPS WITH PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Cook spaghetti according to directions, drain.
• Stir in pesto and 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Meawhile in a large skillet, saute the garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil.
• Add Asparagus and cook until crisp-tender.
• Add the scallops and pepper flakes, cook until opaque.
• Add the shrimp and cook until pink.
• Toss the pesto pasta with the shrimp and scallop mixture.
• Sprinkle with some fresh grated parmesan and serve immediately.

CHEESY CHICKEN, BROCCOLI AND PESTO PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Boil a large pan of water with a sprinkle of salt, when bubbling, add pasta to water and leave for 10 - 12 minutes. Add broccoli and leave for further 5 minutes, once cooked, drain out and add pasta and broccoli back to pan.
• Add a tbsp of oil to a large frying pan and add to high heat. Add chicken breast to pan and fry until begins to brown, remove from the pan. Add bacon into pan and fry for around 3 - 5 minutes, then add mushroom, garlic and spring onions and leave for another 2 - 3 minutes.
• Once bacon has cooked, add chicken back to the pan and stir together gently for another 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir into pasta.
• In a medium sized saucepan, melt the soft cheese and butter together on a low heat, stirring together constantly. Once melted together and the sauce is visibly thinner, stir in the milk and add the pesto and stir for roughly 5 minutes. When happy with the sauce, stir into the pasta pan and mix together well so all contents are coated.
• Now, add all the pasta mix to a deep oven dish and spread out around dish, then sprinkle over Parmesan cheese and put into the oven, for about 30-35 minutes on 200c (Fan Oven) or until Cheese is brown and golden.

ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH CHICKEN AND AVOCADO PESTO

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the skillet. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown on one side, 8 to10 minutes; flip and cook until cooked through and no longer pink, about 5 minutes more. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into strips.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Meanwhile, in a food processor, blend together the basil, walnuts, avocados, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Drain the pasta into a colander. Transfer it to a large serving platter or bowl and toss with the pesto. Top with the sliced chicken. Serve immediately.

PASTA WITH PESTO, POTATOES, AND GREEN BEANS

Steps:

• Place potatoes in a large pot of water; bring to a boil.
• Add salt and cavatappi or other short tubular pasta; return to a boil; cook 2 minutes.
• Add green beans. Return to a boil; cook until vegetables are tender and pasta is al dente, about 6 minutes.
• Drain; toss with pesto; season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

ONE PAN PASTA WITH CREAMY SHRIMP AND PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• In a 4- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender to bite, 7 to 12 minutes. Drain and return to pan.
• Add shrimp, pesto, cream, broth, and dried tomatoes to pasta; stir over medium heat until hot and evenly incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

CHICKEN, PESTO AND SUN-DRIED TOMATO PASTA

Steps:

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Season chicken with salt and pepper, add to pan and cook for 5-7 minutes each side or until cooked through.
• Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
• Cook pasta according to packet direction, drain and return to saucepan.
• Heat remaining oil in pan, add tomatoes and toss for a minute.
• Thinly slice chicken and return to pan; add pesto and cream and toss over low heat til well combined.
• Add pasta and mix well, season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve accompanied with parmesan cheese.

PASTA WITH TOMATOES, ZUCCHINI AND PESTO

Steps:

• Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add zucchini, onion and garlic and saut until zucchini is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Add tomatoes with juices and simmer until almost all liquid evaporates, about 8 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite. Drain; return to pot.
• Add pesto to pasta and toss to coat. Add zucchini mixture and toss over low heat to combine. Mix in basil. Season pasta with salt and pepper. Transfer pasta to large bowl. Serve, passing Parmesan cheese separately.

SLOW COOKER CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA

Steps:

• Place chicken in a slow cooker on High power. Add broth and water to cover. Season with salt and pepper.
• Cover and cook until chicken is no longer pink inside, about 3 hours.
• Remove chicken from slow cooker, shred using a fork, and return meat to the pot. Add 1 cup cream and entire jar of pesto.
• Cook on High 1 more hour.
• Add remaining cream, egg noodles, and 3/4 of the grated Parmesan-Romano-Asiago cheese to the slow cooker. Add milk.
• Cook on High until noodles are cooked, about 1 hour more. Add extra milk for a thinner sauce. Top with remaining Parmesan-Romano-Asiago cheese.

ANGEL HAIR PASTA WITH PESTO AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Prepare Angel Hair Pasta to pkg. directions and drain.
• In a large skillet heat olive oil.
• Saute onion and garlic. About 2 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and pesto. Add salt and pepper, continue to cook until hot.
• Add cooked pasta, Parmesean cheese, garlic salt and lemon pepper.
• Toss and Serve.

PESTO PASTA WITH SPINACH, ASPARAGUS, AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Steps:

• Make pesto: Combine basil, pine nuts, oil and garlic in a food processor. Blend until paste forms, stopping often to push down basil. Add cheeses and sea salt. Blend until smooth. Transfer to small bowl. (Makes about 2/3 cup. Can be made 1 day ahead. Top with 1/4 inch olive oil and chill.).
• Prepare pasta: Cook pasta per package directions. Drain and return to pot.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat while pasta cooks. Add asparagus and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Cook 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until asparagus are tender 2-3 minutes longer. Remove from heat.
• Add pesto, spinach, and chicken (if using) to pasta and toss until well-combined. Sprinkle with grated or shaved Parmesan. Serve warm, or chill and serve cold.

ASPARAGUS AND PISTACHIO PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Trim the tough ends from the asparagus. Store half of the spears upright in a glass filled halfway with water to keep it fresh for a few days or until ready to serve. Chop the remaining asparagus and place it in a food processor. Add the mint, parsley, tarragon, cheese, pistachios, garlic and lime juice. Add the EVOO, pouring to a count of 6 (1/3 to 1/2 cup). Season with salt and pepper. Pulse until the pesto comes together. Place in a small container and store in the refrigerator if not using immediately.
• To serve, bring the pesto to room temperature and place it in a large, shallow serving bowl. Slice the reserved asparagus spears on an angle into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and season with salt. Cook the pasta for 5 minutes, then add the peas and chopped asparagus and cook 2 to 3 more minutes. Scoop out 1 cup of the cooking water and add it to the serving bowl to thin the pesto. Drain the pasta, peas and asparagus and add to the bowl. Toss 1 to 2 minutes to combine. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the shaved cheese.
• Cook's Note: The pesto can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

PESTO PASTA WITH GREEN BEANS AND POTATOES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, and cook the penne pasta for 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Remove from heat, drain, and return to the pot.
• Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil, and cook the potatoes about 7 minutes. Place the green beans in the saucepan with the potatoes. Continue cooking about 3 minutes. Drain the partially cooked potatoes and green beans, and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and saute the garlic about 1 minute. Stir in the potatoes and green beans. Season with salt and pepper. Cook and stir until potatoes and beans are tender and lightly browned.
• Toss the potato mixture into the pot with the drained pasta. Mix in the yogurt, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Reserve a little Parmesan to sprinkle on top when serving.