Spaghetti With Pesto Sauce
A quick, flavorful spaghetti dish coated in a fresh pesto sauce with garlic, basil, and Romano cheese, perfect for a light lunch or casual dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute oil and minced garlic until golden, not brown.
- Remove from heat and add basil, mayonnaise, black pepper, salt, and hot pepper seeds (if using).
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- Drain the cooked spaghetti.
- Place the drained spaghetti in a large bowl.
- Pour the warm pesto sauce over the spaghetti and mix well.
- Sprinkle grated Romano cheese on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier pesto sauce, consider adding a bit of Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Fresh basil is essential for flavor, but if unavailable, you can use spinach or arugula as a substitute. Adjust the garlic to your taste; if you prefer a milder flavor, use less. If you're looking for a quicker meal, consider pairing it with dishes like Pat's Pasta Con Broccoli for a complete vegetarian meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this spaghetti with pesto sauce topped with additional grated Romano cheese for extra flavor. A side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad complements the dish beautifully. For a more filling meal, pair it with protein options like grilled chicken or shrimp. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Carol's Italian Cream Cake for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Avoid using the microwave as it can overcook the pasta and make it mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti With Pesto Sauce contains roughly 421 calories, with 15g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 540mg per serving (23% 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 in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When ready to use, simply warm it gently before mixing it with the spaghetti to preserve its flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This spaghetti with pesto sauce is a vegetarian dish, especially since it uses reduced calorie mayonnaise instead of traditional pesto ingredients like cheese or nuts. It’s a great option for those following vegetarian recipes.
Can I freeze the leftover pesto sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the pesto sauce for up to 3 months. Use an ice cube tray to portion it out, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before using, and enjoy the fresh taste of homemade pesto anytime!
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).