15 Minute Pesto Pasta [+ Video]
Classic Pesto is one of the first ways that I had fresh basil. It was a long, long time ago, but it impressed me so much I never forgot. The flavor was so bright and fresh that I fell in love immediately. One of my favorite parts about the pesto is it’s a quick and easy dinner it only took about 2 minutes to make, and another 10 minutes to cook up the pasta. Hello fantabulous meal in less than 15 minutes!! Plus, it has Speck (which is like bacon or prosciutto) in it!
If you haven’t had pesto, first of all you need a good shake because you haven’t been living your life to the fullest, and second let me explain a little more about it. Pesto is made with garlic, olive oil, pine nuts or occasionally walnuts, fresh basil, olive oil, parmesan cheese and of course, salt and pepper. A list of simple ingredients, but blend these together they are pure deliciousness. We have a whole post on how to make and store it so check that out at the bottom of the post
Will Pesto Keep Overnight?
Pesto should be placed into an airtight container and placed into the refrigerator.
This pasta dish has crumbled speck on top. It’s fried. It’s smoky. It’s thin. And it is pure heaven. I crisped the speck in a pan and then crumbled it all over the top of the dish. It’s so thin that it crumbles really well, and the added texture to a pasta dish is fantastic. It’s like a bacon or prosciutto so don’t stress if your store doesn’t have it.
If you don’t live in Utah, or you’re too far from Caputo’s I would recommend purchasing from Caputo’s Online. If you do live in Utah, just head down to Caputo’s and ask for the Speck. They will wrap some up for you in a jiffy and you can be on your way.
Can You Freeze Pesto?
Pesto freezes very well.
Place pesto in an airtight container or portion it into an ice cube tray and freeze.
When frozen, remove from ice cube tray and store in a freezer bag.
Pesto will keep for 9-12 months in the freezer.
Can You Reheat Pasta?
Plain pasta can be reheated by dipping it briefly in boiling water.
Pasta with sauce can be reheated covered in the oven, in a sauce pan over medium heat, or in the microwave.
Looking for more delicious PASTA RECIPES?
- Ham Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
- Lemon Orzo with Parmesan and Peas
- Zupas Copycat Tomato Basil Orzo Soup
- Lemon Orzo Pasta Salad
- Cuban Pasta Salad
- Teriyaki Chicken Pasta Salad
- Bacon Chicken Ranch Pasta Salad
- 10 Minute Ranch Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Spring Ham and Asparagus Lemon Cream Pasta
- Turkey Tetrazzini with Crunchy Honey Dijon Topping
- All our Pasta Recipes here!
15 Minute Pesto Pasta
15 minute pesto pasta
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Pine Nuts
- 1 Cup Packed, Sweet Basil
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Sea Salt and Fresh Black Pepper
- Campanelli Pasta
- Speck cooked and crumbled (or thin bacon if absolutely necessary)*see note above
Instructions
- Heat a large pot of water over high heat, adding a few pinches of salt to season the pasta as it cooks. (If you're unsure how much taste the water. It should taste slightly salty) Once the water begins to boil add the pasta. Turn the heat down to medium high and continue to cook until al dente (cooked through, not soggy, but a slight bite to it.) Meanwhile, heat a small skillet to medium heat and add the pine nuts.
- Cook until toasted and golden on all side, giving the pan a little toss every now and again to help the nuts to toast evenly. You should be able to start smelling the nutty aroma.
- Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Add the pinenuts, garlic, and fresh basil to a blender or food processor.
- Process until as smooth as possible.
- While the blender/processor is running drizzle in the olive oil, processor another 10-20 seconds and place in a bowl.
- Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
- Set aside.
- In a skillet, over medium heat, add the speck in a single layer over the bottom of the pan.
- Cook until crisp, flip over and crisp the other side.
- Remove to a plate with a paper towel and allow to drain.
- Once the pasta is done, drain and place in a large bowl.
- Add the pesto and toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Crumble the Speck over the top and add a little extra fresh parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Classic Pesto Recipe and How to Store Pesto
It’s our classic pesto recipe and how to store pesto and more questions are answered right here! Plus recipes that use pesto and how to keep it green.
