Name: Bright Basil Pesto Pasta with Buttery Bread Crumbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: Basil Pesto (click for recipe); Lemon (needed for the lemon zest); Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1/2 cup Italian seasoned panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons butter

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Basil Pesto Pasta with Buttery Breadcrumbs is fresh, indulgent and ready in under 30 minutes. Homemade basil pesto covers warm pasta and is then topped with crunchy bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese and lemon zest. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and vibrant flavors.

Creamy basil pesto pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil garnish, easy and delicious weeknight dinner idea. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking quick and flavorful recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. The pesto comes together in just minutes. The pasta takes about 10 minutes to boil and the bread crumbs toast up in just a few minutes.
Customizable – This recipe can easily be adapted for dietarty restrictions. Use gluten free pasta or use a plant-based butter and cheese for a vegan friendly version. Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp if you’d like!
Freezer friendly – Pesto is freezer friendly. Make a large batch and freeze for later. It thaws quickly and all you have to do is boil pasta.
Family friendly – Pesto is incredibly flavorful while also being kid friendly. My kiddos eat this up!
Can feed a crowd – Need to feed a crowd? Pasta is always a great option. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.

How to Make Basil Pesto Pasta

Make the pesto – Simply combine basil, garlic, lemon juice, pine nuts, olive oil and salt and pepper in a blender. Blend until smooth. Fold in grated parmesan cheese and room temperature butter. Set the basil pesto aside or refrigerate for later use.
Boil the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. The pasta water helps create a sauce.
Toast the bread crumbs – In a small skillet over medium heat, add bread crumbs and butter. Stir often until golden and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
Toss it all together – Return the drained pasta back into the pot. Add the pesto and a few splashes of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Finish with Bread Crumbs, Cheese and Lemon Zest – Top the pasta with a generous amount of bread crumbs, grated Parmesan and fresh lemon zest.

Tips for the Best Pesto Pasta

Always read through the entire recipe before starting. This helps prevent mistakes.
Prepare all the ingredients before starting. This also helps prevent mistakes and makes clean up easier.
Use fresh basil for the best results and most flavor. Wilted or browning basil will dull the flavor.
Don’t over-blend the pesto. Blend just until smooth to avoid a bitter flavor from over-processing the basil.
Reserve pasta water to help emulsify the pesto and coat the pasta evenly.

What to Serve with Basil Pesto Pasta

This Bright Basil Pesto Pasta makes a satisfying meal in and of itself, but it also pairs beautifully with:

Grilled chicken or shrimp.
Goes wonderful with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Crusty bread and an arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

More Simple Pesto Pasta Recipes

Pesto Rosso (Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto) – Serve with crusty bread or over warm pasta with burrata cheese.
Asparagus and Tomato Pesto Orzo Salad – This simple recipe is perfect for Summer barbecues!
Pesto Caprese Chicken with Spinach, Tomatoes and Balsamic Glaze – I adore this dinner recipe. It’s so flavorful and pretty!
Creamy Pesto Goat Cheese Pasta with Chicken – This recipe is amazing! I love making this during the Summer. Adding goat cheese to pesto creates a cream sauce that’s so indulgent and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

You’re cooking for a crowd. You’re meal-prepping for the week. Perhaps you’re simply treating yourself to a beautiful dinner. In any case, this Bright Basil Pesto Pasta with Buttery Bread Crumbs is such a wonderful choice. It’s fast, fresh, and full of flavor!

Yield: 4