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.

Pesto Tortellini Salad Chilled Pesto Tortellini Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Mozzarella Ingredients: 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls 1/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought) 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Salt and black pepper to taste 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons pine nuts (optional, toasted) Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Directions: Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely. In a large bowl, combine the cooled tortellini, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and pesto. Drizzle in olive oil and gently toss to combine. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pine nuts, if using. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 6 servings #pestotortellinisalad #tortellinirecipes #easyitaliansalad #coldpastasalad #cheesetortellini #summerrecipes #pestolovers #picnicsalad #quickmeals #freshbasil #homemadepesto #saladideas #potluckfavorite #mozzarellapearls #tomatosalad #cheeselovers #chilledsalad #vegetarianpasta #italianinspired #easycomfortfood This Pesto Tortellini Salad is perfect for summer picnics and weeknight meals So fresh and so EASY!

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!

Homemade Pesto Sauce Fresh Basil Pesto with Parmesan and Pine Nuts Ingredients: 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup pine nuts 2 garlic cloves, minced Salt and pepper to taste Optional: Juice of 1/2 lemon for brightness Directions: In a food processor, combine basil leaves and pine nuts. Pulse a few times to chop. Add garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pulse again until well combined. With the processor running on low speed, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add lemon juice if desired and pulse briefly to incorporate. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for longer storage. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 150 kcal per 2 tbsp | Servings: 1 cup (about 8 servings) #pestolove #freshbasil #homemadecondiments #pestopasta #basilrecipes #saucerecipe #italianflavors #easypesto #quickrecipes #garlicandherbs #pineandparmesan #oliveoilrecipes #greenpesto #nocookingneeded #classicpesto #mediterraneandiet #lowcarbsauce #diykitchen #summersauces #herbgardenrecipes Basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil = the dream team 💚 Make your own pesto in just 10 minutes! So fresh, so flavorful! 🌿🧄🧀