Pesto pasta is one of the easiest and most flavorful pasta dishes you can make. And, it all starts with a jar of pesto sauce. Whether you use store-bought or homemade pesto, this dish comes together in just a few minutes.
All you need is a little pasta, some pesto sauce, and some additional ingredients to round it out.
How to make Pasta Pesto out of a Jar (not clickbait)
- Begin by boiling water for the pasta in a pot on the stove
- While the water is boiling, open the jar of pesto sauce and pour it into a bowl
- Once the water has come to a boil, add the desired amount of pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the bowl with the pesto sauce
- Use a spoon or tongs to mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with sauce
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Use Pesto from a Jar
If you’ve ever purchased pesto from a jar, chances are you’re not using it to its full potential. Pesto is a versatile sauce that can be used in a variety of dishes, but many people only use it as a pasta sauce. While pesto is delicious on pasta, there are so many other ways to enjoy this flavorful sauce.
Here are some ideas for how to use pesto from a jar:
-Add it to soup: Give your soup an extra boost of flavor by stirring in some pesto.
-Use it as a sandwich spread: Spread pesto on bread instead of plain old boring mayonnaise.
-Make a dip: Mix together some sour cream and pesto for an easy and tasty dip.
-Bake with it: Add pesto to your favorite recipes like breadsticks, pizza, or even chicken Parmesan.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 pound dry pasta
1 cup pesto sauce
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and return to pot.
Add pesto sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Cook over low heat until sauce is heated through. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Pesto Pasta With Tomatoes
If you’re in the mood for a delicious, yet simple pasta dish, look no further than this pesto pasta with tomatoes recipe! This dish comes together in just minutes, and is packed full of flavor. The zesty pesto pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the tomatoes, while the Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch of saltiness.
Trust us – this dish will become a new weeknight favorite!
Pesto Pasta Jamie Oliver
This is a really simple dish that can be on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s also really versatile – you can use any type of pasta, and add in whatever vegetables you have to hand. I love to add in some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
For this dish, you will need:
-1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
-1/2 pound pasta (I used fusilli, but anything will work)
-1 cup frozen peas
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
-Salt and pepper
To begin, cook your pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, heat up the peas in a microwave-safe bowl. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it back into the pot.
Add in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, and mix everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Enjoy!
Pesto Pasta Vegetarian
Pesto pasta is one of the most flavorful and easy vegetarian pasta dishes you can make. Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. It’s incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.
This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and can be easily customized to your liking. Simply add your favorite vegetables, protein (tofu, beans, or chicken), and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Chicken Pesto Pasta
Pesto is a sauce that originated in Genoa, Italy. It is typically made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Pesto can be used on pasta, chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Chicken pesto pasta is a dish that combines the flavors of chicken and pesto sauce. The pesto sauce adds a creamy and flavorful element to the dish. Chicken pesto pasta can be served as a main course or as a side dish.
Pesto Pasta Salad
This Pesto Pasta Salad is a perfect dish for your next potluck or picnic! It’s easy to make and can be made ahead of time. The pesto dressing gives the pasta salad a zesty flavor, while the vegetables add color and crunch.
This dish is sure to be a hit with your friends and family!
What Meat Goes With Pesto Pasta
Pesto pasta is a delicious and easy to make dish that can be made with a variety of different meats. Below are some ideas of what meat goes well with pesto pasta.
-Chicken: Chicken breast or thighs pair well with pesto pasta.
Cut the chicken into small pieces and cook it until it is cooked through. Add the chicken to the pasta towards the end of cooking.
-Shrimp: Shrimp is another great option for pesto pasta.
Peel and devein the shrimp before cooking. You can either sauté the shrimp in a pan or cook them in the pasta water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.
-Sausage: Sausage, such as Italian sausage, pairs nicely with pesto pasta.
Simply cook the sausage in a pan until it is browned and add it to the dish at the end.
-Beef: Beef, such as chuck roast, can also be used in this dish. Cut the beef into small cubes and cook it until it is browned all over.
Add the beef to the pasta during the last few minutes of cooking time.
Credit: thinlyspread.co.uk
Do You Need to Cook Pesto from a Jar?
If you’re in a pinch and need to make dinner quickly, pre-made pesto from a jar can be a lifesaver. But is it really necessary to cook the sauce before using it?
The short answer is no, you don’t need to cook pesto from a jar before using it.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you choose not to cook the sauce. First of all, make sure that the pasta is cooked properly – al dente is always best. Secondly, add the pesto at the very end so that it doesn’t have time to lose its bright green color and flavor.
Finally, don’t forget to add a little bit of extra virgin olive oil – this will help smooth out the texture and flavor of the sauce.
So there you have it – three simple tips for using pre-made pesto straight from the jar. No need to cook it first, just follow these simple guidelines and enjoy!
How Do You Make Jarred Pesto Better?
If you’re looking to take your jarred pesto to the next level, there are a few things you can do. First, try stirring in some fresh herbs or spices. This will help to brighten up the flavor and make it more complex.
You can also add in some fresh or roasted garlic, which will give the pesto a nice depth of flavor. Finally, if you want a bit of a kick, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes. If you find that the pesto is too thick, thin it out with a bit of olive oil or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
With these simple tips, you can turn store-bought pesto into something special that your family and friends will love.
Do You Use a Whole Jar of Pesto Sauce?
If you’ve ever made pesto sauce at home, you know that it doesn’t take long to go through an entire jar. The same can be said of store-bought pesto sauce. Whether you’re using it on pasta, pizza, or in another dish, a little goes a long way.
But what if you find yourself with a half-empty jar of pesto and no immediate plans to use it up? Is it still good?
The answer is yes – as long as you store it properly.
Pesto sauce will last for up to two weeks in the fridge (in an airtight container) or up to six months in the freezer (also in an airtight container). If you find that your pesto has separated into oil and solids, simply give it a good stir before using.
So if you find yourself with leftover pesto sauce, don’t throw it out!
Store it in the fridge or freezer and enjoy it later.
How Much Pesto Should I Use in Pasta?
If you’re wondering how much pesto to use in your pasta, you’re not alone. It’s a common question, and one that has a few different answers.
Typically, you’ll want to use about 2-3 tablespoons of pesto per person.
This will give you a nice flavor without overwhelming the dish. If you’re making a large batch of pasta, you can always add more pesto later if needed.
When it comes to measurements, keep in mind that 1 tablespoon is equal to 3 teaspoons.
So, if you’re only making enough for one person, start with 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of pesto and go from there.
Now that you know how much pesto to use in your next pasta dish, enjoy!
Conclusion
If you’re in a pinch and need to make dinner quickly, raid your pantry for a jar of pesto sauce. You can turn that into a delicious pesto pasta dish in no time. Simply cook some pasta according to package directions, then drain it and add it to a pan with the pesto sauce.
Heat everything up until the sauce is bubbling, then serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top. Voila – instant dinner!