How to make pasta with ready-made pesto

Pasta is a versatile and delicious dish that can be prepared in many different ways. One delicious option is to make pasta with ready-made pesto. Pesto is a flavorful sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. It has a rich and aromatic taste that pairs perfectly with pasta. In this article, we will guide you on how to make a quick and easy pasta dish using ready-made pesto.

To start, gather all the necessary ingredients. You will need 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, around 4 tablespoons of ready-made pesto sauce, grated Parmesan cheese for garnish, and a handful of fresh basil leaves. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the instructions on the package until it reaches al dente. Al dente means that the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite to it, which is perfect for this dish. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

While the pasta is cooking, take a small saucepan and heat the ready-made pesto sauce over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan and heat evenly. Alternatively, you can heat the pesto sauce in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave for about 1 minute until warmed through.

Once the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander, reserving a small cup of pasta water. The pasta water will help to loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta later on. Transfer the drained pasta back to the pot.

Pour the warmed ready-made pesto sauce over the pasta and toss until each strand is evenly coated with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce and create a silky texture.

To enhance the flavors, tear a handful of fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. The vibrant green color and aromatic fragrance of basil will add an extra touch to your dish. Toss the pasta once again to distribute the basil evenly.

Now it’s time to serve your delicious pasta with ready-made pesto. Transfer the pasta to individual serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt slightly due to the warmth of the pasta, creating a creamy and savory flavor.

Serve the pasta immediately, while it’s still warm. You can enjoy it as is or pair it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. And there you have it, a quick and easy pasta dish made with ready-made pesto sauce.

Making pasta with ready-made pesto is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or when you’re short on time. The robust flavors of the pesto combined with perfectly cooked pasta will impress your taste buds. So, next time you’re craving pasta, reach for that jar of ready-made pesto sauce and give this recipe a try!