20 Delicious Pesto Pasta Recipes Full of Flavor

If you are a fan of fresh, vibrant flavors, these 20 pesto pasta recipes are perfect for you. From creamy chicken and seafood dishes to veggie-packed salads and unique nut-based pestos, these recipes are simple to make and full of taste. Whether you are cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal, these pesto pasta ideas turn everyday pasta into something truly delicious and satisfying.

Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

A bowl of penne pasta mixed with cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, mushrooms, and crumbled cheese, with a fork resting in the dish. — Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives. Photo credit: Erren’s Kitchen.

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Tender roasted eggplant mixes with pasta in a creamy ricotta pesto sauce. Olives add briny contrast while the pesto brings fresh, nutty flavor. The sauce coats the noodles evenly for rich, satisfying bites. A sprinkle of parmesan or fresh herbs completes the dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

A close-up of a bowl filled with orzo pasta, peas, zucchini, and crumbled cheese in a light pink bowl. — Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad. Photo credit: We Eat At Last.

Orzo is tossed with pesto, vegetables, and sometimes cheese for a bright, flavorful pasta salad. Quick cooking keeps the pasta tender but not mushy. Serve chilled or at room temperature for an easy side or light meal. Herbs and vegetables add freshness and color.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Pasta Salad

Pasta Al Pesto Di Pistacchio (Pistachio Pesta Pasta)

A plate of pasta with pesto sauce, garnished with grated cheese and fresh basil leaves, served with a fork. — Pasta Al Pesto Di Pistacchio (Pistachio Pesta Pasta). Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

Pasta is coated in a rich pistachio pesto, combining nutty flavor with fresh herbs and olive oil. The sauce clings to each noodle for full flavor in every bite. Quick to prepare, it is a satisfying, slightly unconventional pesto variation. Garnish with extra chopped pistachios for crunch.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Al Pesto Di Pistacchio (Pistachio Pesta Pasta)

Salmon and Pesto Pasta Recipe: Delicious Easy Dinner

Grilled salmon topped with lemon slices and a purple flower, served over rotini pasta coated in pesto sauce on a white plate. — Salmon and Pesto Pasta Recipe: Delicious Easy Dinner. Photo credit: Chef Denise.

Salmon fillets are cooked and tossed with pasta and a vibrant pesto sauce. The fish adds richness while the pesto keeps flavors bright and aromatic. Pasta absorbs the sauce, creating a cohesive dish. Quick to prepare, it makes an easy yet elegant dinner.
Get the Recipe: Salmon and Pesto Pasta Recipe: Delicious Easy Dinner

Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

A white plate filled with bow-tie pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, green herbs, and a light dressing, set on a table by a window. — Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: This Wife Cooks.

Pasta is combined with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and pesto for a fresh Caprese-inspired salad. Basil pesto ties the flavors together beautifully. Serve chilled for a light, flavorful meal or side dish. Drizzle with balsamic for an extra touch of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with tortellini pasta salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella balls, black olives, and herbs, next to a wooden spoon and a bowl of green pesto. — Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Xoxo Bella.

Cheese-filled tortellini is tossed with pesto and vegetables for a flavorful salad. Quick to assemble and serve cold or room temperature. The creamy, herby pesto complements the tender tortellini. Perfect for potlucks or simple lunches.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad

30 Minute Salmon Pesto Pasta

A stainless steel skillet filled with penne pasta, chicken, arugula, and sun-dried tomatoes, with a plate of pasta and a fork in the background. — 30 Minute Salmon Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Craving Something Healthy.

Salmon and pasta cook together with a vibrant pesto sauce for a quick, flavorful meal. The sauce coats both noodles and fish for maximum flavor. Quick cooking keeps the salmon moist and tender. A fresh, weeknight-friendly dish that feels special.
Get the Recipe: 30 Minute Salmon Pesto Pasta

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.

Pasta is tossed with pistachio pesto for a nutty, aromatic flavor. Olive oil, garlic, and herbs add depth to the sauce. Quick preparation ensures pasta stays perfectly cooked. A garnish of crushed pistachios or parmesan enhances texture and flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pistachio Pesto Pasta

Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

A glass bowl filled with tri-color rotini pasta salad, topped with seasoned shrimp, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese. — Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Bless This Meal.

Cooked shrimp, pasta, and pesto come together for a refreshing, protein-packed salad. Vegetables or cherry tomatoes add color and crunch. The pesto sauce coats everything evenly. Serve chilled for a light, flavorful meal.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad

Pasta al Pesto

Pasta with green pesto sauce, roasted cherry tomatoes, pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves, served on a black square plate. — Pasta al Pesto. Photo credit: Entirely Emmy.

Classic pasta tossed in bright, herbaceous pesto. Quick and simple, yet packed with flavor. The sauce clings to every noodle for rich, satisfying bites. Garnish with grated parmesan or pine nuts for extra depth.
Get the Recipe: Pasta al Pesto

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pasta is combined with pesto, vegetables, and sometimes cheese for a versatile salad. Quick cooking keeps pasta tender but not soft. Serve cold or room temperature for an easy side dish or light lunch. Fresh herbs enhance flavor and color.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe (Instant Pot)

Chicken and pasta cook together in a creamy pesto sauce in the Instant Pot. Quick pressure cooking keeps the chicken tender and juicy. The sauce clings to every bite for rich, herby flavor. Perfect for hands-off weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe (Instant Pot)

Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

A Sicilian variation, combining pasta with almond-based pesto and fresh tomatoes. Nutty, aromatic, and slightly tangy, it elevates simple pasta into a flavorful dish. Quick to prepare while still feeling elegant. Garnish with fresh herbs and parmesan.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta alla Trapanese

Pesto Pasta

Classic pasta tossed with a fragrant pesto sauce. Simple ingredients create bold, fresh flavors. Quick to prepare and endlessly versatile. Perfect as a side or main dish with vegetables, chicken, or seafood.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta

Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Oregano adds a distinctive herbal note to pasta with pesto. Tossed with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan, it’s flavorful and simple. Quick cooking keeps pasta perfectly tender. A subtle twist on classic basil pesto.
Get the Recipe: Quick and Easy Oregano Pesto Pasta

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Pasta

Roasted red peppers are blended into pesto for a sweet, smoky variation. Tossed with pasta, it creates a vibrant, flavorful dish. Quick and simple, yet full of depth. Serve warm or chilled as a unique pasta meal.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Red Pepper Pesto with Pasta

Veggie Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Pasta, chicken, and a variety of vegetables combine in a herby pesto sauce. Quick cooking keeps the chicken tender and vegetables crisp. The sauce coats every bite with fresh, aromatic flavor. Ideal for a balanced, colorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pesto Pasta with Chicken

Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Pasta and roasted vegetables are tossed with walnut pesto for nutty, earthy flavor. Quick to prepare and served cold or room temperature. The nuts add texture while vegetables add freshness. Perfect for a hearty salad or side dish.
Get the Recipe: Walnut Pesto Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Tuna Pesto Pasta

Pasta and flaked tuna combine with pesto for a simple, protein-packed meal. Olive oil, herbs, and garlic enhance the flavor. Quick to prepare and full of satisfying taste. Serve warm or chilled for versatility.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Chicken and pasta cook in a creamy pesto sauce that clings to every bite. Herbs, cheese, and a touch of cream add richness. Quick to prepare for weeknight meals. Serve with extra parmesan or fresh basil for garnish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta