If there’s one dish that brings pure joy to the table with minimal effort, it’s cheesy pesto pasta. For anyone who loves bold flavor and silky, satisfying textures, this is a go-to meal that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, comforting, and tastes like something you’d get at a cozy little Italian spot, without ever leaving your kitchen.
At the heart of this dish is pesto, that bright green, garlicky sauce made from fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. It’s rich, herbaceous, and full of character. When stirred into warm pasta and combined with melted cheese, pesto becomes something magical. The freshness of the herbs balances out the richness of the cheese, creating a sauce that clings to every bite.
The “cheesy” part of this pasta is where things really get good. A mix of melty mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, or even creamy ricotta takes the pesto to the next level. It’s not heavy in the way cream sauces can be, but it definitely delivers on indulgence. The cheese melts into the hot pasta and pesto, turning the whole dish into a creamy, flavorful tangle of noodles.
What makes this pasta such a favorite is how versatile it is. You can make it with spaghetti, penne, fusilli, whatever you have on hand. Throw in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed spinach, or grilled chicken if you want to bulk it up, or keep it simple and let the pesto shine on its own.
Cheesy pesto lovers pasta is ideal for those nights when you’re craving something cozy but don’t want to spend hours cooking. It comes together fast, tastes amazing, and leaves you with minimal dishes to wash. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, this dish always hits the mark. It’s comfort food with a fresh twist, perfect for pesto lovers and cheese fans alike.
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta Choose your favorite type of pasta
- 100 g pesto Fresh basil pesto preferred
- 150 g mozzarella cheese Grated
- 50 g parmesan cheese Grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil Extra virgin
- 2 cloves garlic Minced
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper Freshly ground
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the garlic. Stir in the pesto sauce and mix well to combine.
- Add the grated mozzarella and parmesan cheese to the pasta. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and well distributed.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese if desired.
This pasta is sooo good! The cheesy goodness is unreal! 😍
10/10 would recommend! So easy and quick, perfect for busy weeknights! 🌟
I thought it would be better honestly. The pesto was a bit overpowering for me.
Too much cheese! I can’t deal with that much dairy. I felt sick afterward.
What is pesto? Never heard of that. Just used tomato sauce instead, was fine.
Pesto is like a green sauce made from basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese. Tomato sauce is good, but pesto takes pasta to the next level! You should try it sometime!
It was okay, but I wanted more flavor. Maybe try adding some chicken or veggies?
I totally agree! I added some cherry tomatoes and chicken breast, and it was delicious! Gave it an extra kick.
More flavor? I think it’s perfect as is! Maybe your taste buds just need adjusting?
Tried it, but didn’t love the pesto flavor. Too strong for my taste.
Didn’t work out for me. My cheese didn’t melt right. Help!
Is the pesto super important? Can I use alfredo sauce instead?
My grandma made something like this but with chicken. Still tastes gr8!
Super easy recipe! My kids devoured it! Will make again for sure.
Pasta need more salt! I like it saucy but this was a lil dry. Not making again.
I don’t think it needed more salt! Maybe you just didn’t mix it well enough? It was great for me!
Yummy 😋 Can I use store-bought pesto? I don’t have fresh basil on hand!
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works just fine. Just make sure it’s a good quality one! 😄
I dunno, I heard store-bought isn’t as good. Fresh basil is so much better, right?
What is pesto? I just used olive oil and garlic, turned out nice.
Pesto is a basil-based sauce, primarily made with fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts! It’s super tasty in pasta. You might wanna try it sometime!
What’s so special about pesto? I mean, olive oil and garlic are great, but I think you’re missing out. Just sayin’.
I followed the recipe but it turned out a bit dry. Maybe more oil?
Instructions were clear, but I didn’t like the flavor – too salty.
OMG! This was sooo good! 😍 I added chicken and it was a hit!
Sounds amazing! Chicken is always a great addition. Can’t wait to try this! 🍝
Mmmmm… pasta!!! Can’t never go wrong with cheese! 👍
Cheesy pasta is life! Can’t wait to try this one. 😋
Looks good, but I don’t think pesto and mozzarella go together? 🤔
Absolutely! Cheesy pasta just hits different! 😍 You’ll love this!
I followed the instructions but the cheese didn’t melt well. Maybe I did something wrong?
I didn’t have mozzarella so I used cheddar. It was okay, but not the same.
This pasta is super cheesy and so good!!! I love it 😍
Yummy! Quick and easy meal for busy nights! Will make again.
Totally agree! This pasta is life-changing. I can’t believe how quick it is to make!
I dunno… It sounds easy but I feel like something’s missing. Maybe some veggies or protein?
Eazy peazy! I made this for my kids and they loved it! Will make again!
Using store-bought pesto feels like cheating. Fresh basil is better!!!
This recipe is fantastic! So cheesy and easy to make. My family loved it!
Hmm, I don’t know about all that cheese. Isn’t that kinda heavy? I prefer something lighter.
I’m glad to hear you loved it! It’s so quick and satisfying, my kids devoured it too!
I was skeptical about the pesto and cheese combo, but it actually worked! A bit too oily for my taste tho.
This pasta is to die for! So cheesy and flavorful. My family loved it! 5 stars!
Just okay. There are better pasta recipes out there. Need a video tutorial next time!