Noodles With Pesto Sauce
A vibrant, herbaceous pasta dish featuring fresh parsley, basil, garlic, and Parmesan, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti as directed on the package.
- Combine chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, white pepper, crushed garlic, olive oil, margarine, boiling water, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped walnuts or pine nuts thoroughly to make the pesto sauce.
- Place well-drained cooked spaghetti or noodles in a large bowl.
- Pour the pesto sauce over the noodles and toss lightly to evenly coat.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto, consider adding a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese. You can substitute the walnuts with almonds or sunflower seeds if desired. If you prefer a milder flavor, blanch the garlic in boiling water for a minute before adding it to the sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of olive oil based on your preference for consistency.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the noodles with pesto sauce topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for added heat. Pair this dish with a fresh salad dressed with Italian Dressing For Veggies for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp alongside the pasta.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent the noodles from drying out, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat. You can also enjoy it cold as a pasta salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Noodles With Pesto Sauce contains roughly 658 calories, with 18g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1904mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the pesto sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pesto sauce a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container, and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to minimize oxidation. Just give it a good stir before using it with the noodles.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast works well for a vegan option, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy. Alternatively, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can be used for a similar taste profile.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While thin spaghetti is great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Fusilli, penne, or even whole grain options work wonderfully with pesto. Each shape will hold the sauce differently, so choose based on your texture preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).