Go Back

Pesto Pasta for One

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword pasta with pesto, quick pasta dinner, single serving pesto pasta, small batch pasta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1 serving
One portion of pasta tossed with prepared pesto, Parmesan, and a little starchy cooking water for a smooth sauce.

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces dry spaghetti or other pasta (about ⅔ cup dry short pasta)
  • 1½ tablespoons prepared pesto
  • 1–2 tablespoons reserved pasta water plus extra if needed
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan plus extra for garnish

Directions

  • Cook the pasta in a 2-quart saucepan following the package directions, until tender but still firm. Scoop out ¼ cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta and put it in a bowl.
  • Take the pasta off the heat and toss it while hot with the pesto, 1 to 2 tablespoons of the starchy cooking water and the 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
  • Add a little more water if the pasta seems thick. Sprinkle on extra Parmesan before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 93g | Calories: 361kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3.7g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 280mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 484IU | Vitamin C: 0mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 0.9mg

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for the whole recipe (1 serving); dry spaghetti or other pasta (the first choice counted), freshly grated Parmesan counted as grated Parmesan (the measured ½ cup). Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.