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pesto pasta with parmesan cheese on top
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Pesto Pasta for One

Make this pesto pasta for one in just 10 minutes with pre-made pesto sauce, like this Arugula Basil Pesto or Pistachio Pesto. It's a quick dinner you can throw together on days you didn't plan ahead and want something equally easy and delicious.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 0 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 1 person

Equipment

  • Medium Pot
  • medium mixing bowl
  • fork
  • MIcroplaner or Box Grater

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces pasta of choice
  • ¼ cup shelled edamame
  • ¼ cup freezer pesto
  • ½ cup frozen vegetables optional
  • grated parmesan cheese to taste
  • red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

  • Cook 2 ounces pasta according to box directions.
  • When pasta is about 5 minutes from being done, add ¼ cup frozen edamame and ½ cup frozen vegetables (optional) to cooking pasta. Finish cooking until vegetables are tender and pasta is al dente.
  • Reserve 1-2 Tablespoons of pasta water before draining
  • Drain water, transfer pasta to serving bowl or mixing bowl, add back 1 Tablespoon of pasta water, and ¼ cup pesto. Stir until all pasta is coated with pesto. Add more pasta water if needed.
  • Top with parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot or cold. 

Video

Notes

  • Protein options: chicken, salmon, shrimp, sausage, edamame, etc.
  • Pesto with lots of basil will turn brown when exposed to air, so keep it sealed, or make one without as much basil like this Arugula Basil Pesto shouldn't turn brown/black because it doesn't have a ton of basil in it.
  • Frozen vegetables cook easily in the pasta water, and are inexpensive, but you can substitute them for any other vegetable, or don't add vegetables.
  • Add back 1-2 Tablespoons of pasta water to your pasta and sauce. The starch in the water helps your sauce stick to the pasta, and keeps the sauce creamy.
  • If you're storing any for leftovers, add a sprinkle of water to pasta before reheating, it'll help restore the creamy sauce consistency.
  • Other great add-ins: cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, toasted pine nuts or cashews, extra virgin olive oil.