15 Pesto Recipes That Make Every Dish Taste Extra Special

Pesto is more than just a sauce, it’s a quick way to elevate everyday meals with bold, herby flavor. This collection of 15 pesto recipes includes everything from pasta and gnocchi to sandwiches, salads, and kid-friendly meatballs. Whether you’re craving a creamy, cheesy dish, a fresh vegetarian option, or a protein-packed dinner, these easy pesto recipes are full of flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, spinach, and chunks of meat, next to a pink cloth and a fork. — Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

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Flaked tuna mixes with pasta and a vibrant pesto sauce. The pesto adds herbaceous flavor that balances the savory tuna. Each forkful is creamy and satisfying. It’s a quick, protein-packed pasta dish that’s simple to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Three chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, and cheese are arranged on a patterned platter and secured with skewers. — Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Grilled chicken is layered with pesto, cheese, and vegetables in a sandwich. The pesto adds bright, herby flavor throughout. The bread toasts lightly, creating a crisp exterior. Each bite is savory, fresh, and filling.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chicken Pesto Sandwich

Penne with Pesto

Two bowls of pasta with green pesto sauce, topped with grated cheese and herbs, placed on a rustic wooden table with mint leaves and seeds scattered around. — Penne with Pesto. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Penne pasta is tossed in a classic basil pesto for a quick, flavorful meal. The sauce clings to each tube for consistent flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan or toasted nuts adds extra texture. It is simple, satisfying, and ready in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Penne with Pesto

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Peas

A white bowl filled with gnocchi, green peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs sits on a table next to a fork, knife, and napkin. — Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Peas. Photo credit: Jersey Girl Cooks.

Soft gnocchi is coated in a creamy pesto sauce with bursts of sun-dried tomato and sweet peas. The sauce is rich yet balanced with bright herb flavor. Each bite combines tender gnocchi, vegetables, and nutty pesto. It’s an indulgent yet fresh pasta dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Sun-dried Tomatoes & Peas

Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Plate of spaghetti with green pesto sauce, garnished with basil leaves and parmesan shavings, with a bowl of pistachios and utensils in the background. — Pistachio Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Mama’s On A Budget.

A twist on traditional pesto using pistachios instead of pine nuts. The sauce is vibrant, nutty, and slightly sweet. Tossed with pasta, it adds a unique flavor and color. Each bite is creamy with a satisfying crunch from the nuts.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Pesto Pasta

20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Grilled chicken breast with pesto, charred cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and diced avocado served on a white plate. — 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

Chicken breasts are grilled and topped with fresh basil pesto. Charred tomatoes and avocado add juiciness and creaminess. The dish is colorful and full of flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: 20-Minute Grilled Basil Pesto Chicken with Charred Tomatoes and Avocado

Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Several puff pastry twists with green and red filling are served on wooden skewers, arranged on a wooden board with a sprig of fresh herbs. — Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Puff pastry is layered with pesto and shaped into a festive tree. Baking crisps the edges while keeping the interior soft. Each slice reveals buttery, herbaceous layers. It’s a fun, visually striking appetizer for gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Puff Pastry Christmas Tree Appetizer

Basil Pesto

A glass bowl filled with green pesto sauce, placed on a white surface next to a white cloth napkin. — Basil Pesto. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Classic basil pesto blends fresh basil, nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil. It’s versatile and aromatic. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or drizzling over roasted vegetables. Each spoonful delivers traditional Italian flavor.
Get the Recipe: Basil Pesto

Pesto Couscous

A bowl of green herb couscous topped with halved cherry tomatoes and grated cheese, placed on a marble surface next to a spoon and a napkin. — Pesto Couscous. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Couscous is tossed with pesto for a light, herby side dish. The sauce coats each grain evenly. It’s quick to prepare and works well with vegetables or proteins. Each bite is fragrant and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Couscous

Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus

Baked cheese tortellini casserole topped with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, and sliced basil in a round white dish on a woven mat. — Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus. Photo credit: Mandi Of The Mountains.

Cheese-filled tortellini is combined with spring vegetables and pesto. The sauce adds bright herbaceous flavor. Peas and asparagus provide color and texture. It’s a fresh, satisfying pasta dish perfect for spring or summer.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini with Peas and Asparagus

Juicy Chicken Pesto Meatballs – Kid-Friendly & Delicious

Chicken meatballs are mixed with pesto for flavor and moisture. They bake or sauté to golden perfection. Each bite is tender and packed with herby, savory flavor. They are great for sandwiches, pasta, or as finger food.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Chicken Pesto Meatballs – Kid-Friendly & Delicious

Pesto Salad Dressing

A creamy pesto dressing brightens greens, grains, or roasted vegetables. Olive oil and herbs create smooth consistency. It can be drizzled or tossed directly with salad ingredients. Each spoonful adds fresh, vibrant flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Salad Dressing

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Pasta salad is tossed with roasted vegetables and a walnut-based pesto. The nuts add richness and texture. The roasted vegetables bring sweetness and depth. It is a hearty yet fresh dish for lunch or picnics.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Broccoli Pesto

Broccoli is blended into a vibrant, green pesto with herbs and nuts. The sauce is slightly earthy with creamy, nutty undertones. It can be used on pasta, toast, or roasted vegetables. Each bite has balanced flavor and nutrition-forward appeal.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Pesto

Ooey Gooey Cheesy Baked Pesto Tortellini Recipe

Tortellini is baked with pesto and plenty of melted cheese. The top browns slightly while the interior stays creamy and tender. The pesto infuses every bite with herbaceous flavor. It’s comforting, cheesy, and perfect for a cozy meal.
Get the Recipe: Ooey Gooey Cheesy Baked Pesto Tortellini Recipe