Pesto and Ricotta Pasta Creamy Pesto and Ricotta Pasta with Garlic and Parmesan Ingredients: 12 oz fusilli or penne pasta 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup reserved pasta water 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Lemon zest (optional) Directions: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in pesto and cook for another minute. Add ricotta and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine into a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Stir in grated Parmesan, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: Approximately 540 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #vegetarianrecipes #pastadish #basilpesto #ricottapasta #comfortfood #quickdinnerideas #weeknightmeals #homecooked #italiandinner #freshherbs #easypasta #pestolove #parmesancheese #garlicflavor #creamyricotta #dinnerunder30 #simpleingredients #easyrecipes #pastalovers #lightdinner Creamy, dreamy, and bursting with basil flavor! This Pesto & Ricotta Pasta is the ultimate comfort food made easy.

Chicken and Basil Pesto Pasta Creamy Chicken and Fresh Basil Pesto Pasta Delight Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional) For the Basil Pesto: 2 cups fresh basil leaves 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup pine nuts 2 garlic cloves 1/2 cup olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste Directions: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Meanwhile, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. To make the pesto, combine basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth. Toss cooked pasta with the pesto, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Toss everything gently to combine. Top with toasted pine nuts before serving, if desired. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: Approximately 540 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #basilpesto #pestopasta #chickenpasta #italianrecipes #quickmeals #familydinners #pastalovers #homemadepesto #comfortfood #easydinners #freshbasil #chickenrecipes #simplemeals #pastaideas #midweekmeals #garliclovers #weeknightdinner #foodblogfeed #healthyish #pastanight Creamy, herby, and packed with flavor – this Chicken & Basil Pesto Pasta is the weeknight dinner you’ve been dreaming of

Roasted Cauliflower and Pesto Pasta Creamy Pesto Pasta with Roasted Cauliflower and Parmesan Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape) 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Juice of 1/2 lemon Fresh basil leaves for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and golden brown. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add roasted cauliflower to the skillet, stir to combine. Reduce heat to low, add cooked pasta, pesto, and lemon juice. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir in grated Parmesan and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #roastedcauliflower #pestopasta #vegetarianrecipes #comfortfood #italianflavors #pastalover #easyweeknightdinner #healthyrecipes #basilpesto #veggielove #homecooking #meatlessmonday #freshingredients #lemonflavor #garliclover #plantbasedmeals #simpledinners #roastedveggies #parmesanlove #pastadishes Cozy up with this Roasted Cauliflower and Pesto Pasta Tender, golden cauliflower paired with fresh basil pesto makes every bite a flavor explosion!

Pesto Sauce Fresh Basil Pesto with Parmesan, Pine Nuts, and Garlic Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 3 garlic cloves, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness) Directions: Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, cooled pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until finely chopped. Add Parmesan cheese and pulse a few more times to combine. With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Pulse again to mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 minutes (toasting nuts) | Total Time: 12 minutes Kcal: 190 kcal per 2 tbsp serving | Servings: 6 servings #pestosauce #freshbasilpesto #homemadepesto #italiansauces #saucerecipe #pestopasta #easycondiments #basilrecipe #greenpesto #garlicandbasil #parmesanblend #nuttysauce #oliveoilmagic #quickpesto #simpleitalian #pestoforlife #pestolovers #dressingideas #kitchenstaples #herbsinmotion Whip up this homemade pesto in just 10 minutes! Bright, herby, and bursting with flavor—perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dipping!

Pesto Chicken Pasta Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Ingredients: 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) Directions: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Pour in heavy cream and pesto. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix well until coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: Approximately 580 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings #pestopasta #chickenpasta #easymeals #comfortfood #quickdinner #weeknightdinner #pastalovers #basilpesto #homecooking #italianflavors #parmesancheese #sundriedtomatoes #creamyrecipes #familydinner #cherryTomatoes #herbypasta #freshbasil #pastarecipe #easypastarecipe #pestochicken Pesto Chicken Pasta is your next go-to weeknight dinner! Creamy, herby, and packed with juicy chicken and tomatoes—it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it looks!