17 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Pesto

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Pesto is a kitchen superstar, adding a burst of fresh, herby flavor to any dish. This collection of 17 pesto recipes goes beyond the classic sauce to explore vibrant creations like walnut pesto, creamy tomato soups infused with pesto, and even pesto-topped baked chicken thighs. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, these recipes will bring bold, zesty flavors to your table. Grab that jar of pesto or whip up your own, and let’s get cooking!

Easy Pesto Sauce

A fork twirls spaghetti with green pesto sauce, garnished with grated cheese, against a white background, showcasing the elegance of restaurant-quality recipes.

Packed with vibrant, fresh basil flavor, this quick and easy Basil Pesto Recipe is a game-changer! Ready in minutes with minimal prep, it’s the perfect way to take any dish to the next level.

Get The Recipe: Easy Pesto Sauce

Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

A spoonful of pasta with penne, cherry tomatoes, olives, mushrooms, and herbs, topped with ricotta cheese captures the essence of Mediterranean recipes. In the background, a bowl brimming with more of this delightful pasta dish awaits. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with Creamy Eggplant Pasta topped with luscious Ricotta Pesto and briny Olives. Bursting with bold, delicious goodness, this quick and easy dish comes together in just 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing your guests!

Get The Recipe: Eggplant Pasta with Ricotta Pesto and Olives

Easy Shrimp Pasta

a landscape image of a white plate full of shrimp pasta — Image Credit: Mateusz Gzik

Tender shrimp is transformed into a delightful pasta dish in just 20 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that proves ease doesn’t have to compromise on flavor.

Get The Recipe: Easy Shrimp Pasta

Creamy Pesto Pasta

A plate of bow-tie pasta is coated in a creamy pesto sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves. A metal serving spoon rests in the pasta, ready to serve. The dish is colorful and appetizing with a bright green hue from the pesto—perfect for those exploring new pesto recipes. — Image Credit: Cooking Classy

Creamy Pesto Pasta – Mini al dente pasta tossed in a lush sauce filled with minced fresh basil, infused with garlic and parmesan, and super easy to make. It’s like a mix of creamy Alfredo sauce with fresh pesto pasta – totally yummy!

Get The Recipe: Creamy Pesto Pasta

Pesto Baked Chicken Thighs

A skillet filled with four pieces of well-cooked, marinated chicken thighs, each garnished with herbs and spices. A small bowl of vibrant green pesto sauce is visible to the side, showcasing one of the best pesto recipes. The dish appears to be freshly made and flavorful. — Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Whip up some tasty pesto baked chicken thighs with only 8 ingredients in just 20 minutes! Perfect as a versatile main dish to enjoy with salads, pasta, roasted veggies, and more.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Baked Chicken Thighs

Vegan Pesto Parmesan Breadsticks

A wooden board topped with several slices of golden-brown pesto garlic breadsticks, surrounded by small bowls of grated cheese, pesto sauce, and a pizza cutter. Some breadsticks have a vibrant green pesto spread and are sprinkled with grated cheese—an irresistible addition to your favorite pesto recipes. — Image Credit: Minimalist Baker

Easy vegan pesto breadsticks with vegan parmesan on top. Made with wholesome, dairy-free ingredients that perfectly capture the traditional breadstick flavor.

Get The Recipe: Vegan Pesto Parmesan Breadsticks

Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Pasta salad with chicken, peppers and herbs. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This hearty pasta salad is packed with flavor from pesto and chicken, making it a great main dish for summer picnics or barbecues.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Creamy Pesto Chicken

Craving a delicious and impressive meal without the hassle? Creamy pesto chicken is your answer! Packed with flavor, it comes together in a flash, perfect for busy weeknights or a quick self-care dinner.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Pesto Chicken

Red Pesto Sauce

A close up photo of a plate of angel hair pasta with pesto sauce sprinkled with grated cheese and chopped parsley — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Skip the store-bought stuff! This Red Pesto sauce comes together in minutes, exploding with flavor and ready to elevate any dish.

Get The Recipe: Red Pesto Sauce

Walnut Pesto

ie-canva_free__studio_philippines-chapati_flour-2655979 — Image Credit: Namely Marly

Whip up this herb-infused Vegan Walnut Pesto using healthy walnuts, olive oil, and basil. Drizzle it over crostini, pasta, or slather it on veggie burgers for a tasty twist!

Get The Recipe: Vegan Walnut Pesto

Tomato Pesto Soup

Close-up of a bowl of tomato soup garnished with browned croutons and a dollop of ground meat mixture in the center. Fresh chopped herbs and a hint of pesto are sprinkled on top, adding color and freshness. The creamy soup contrasts with the toasted texture of the croutons, making it perfect cooking inspiration for new recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This recipe makes enjoying a delicious and flavorful soup a breeze! The tomato pesto base is surprisingly simple to prepare, and the cheesy croutons add a touch of indulgence. It’s perfect for serving hot on a chilly night or chilled for a refreshing summer meal.

Get The Recipe: Tomato Pesto Soup

Red Tomato Pesto

A close-up of a spoon scooping chunky homemade chili paste. The vibrant mixture includes visible pieces of red chilies, seeds, and spices, glistening with a slight oily sheen. The texture appears thick and coarse, suggesting a rich and flavorful condiment perfect for enhancing your recipes. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Make delicious homemade pesto in minutes with just a handful of ingredients. This Italian sauce pairs perfectly with anything from shellfish to pasta.

Get The Recipe: Red Tomato Pesto

Caprese Pesto Pasta Bake.

This Caprese Pesto Pasta Bake is a fresh and easy spring dinner that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It features pasta tossed with roasted cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, burrata, and prosciutto, all baked to perfection until the cheese is melty and the prosciutto is crisp. Get ready to make this a repeat dish!
Get the Recipe: Caprese Pesto Pasta Bake.

Butternut Squash Cheese Ravioli with Browned Butter Sage Pesto.

This butternut squash ravioli recipe screams autumn with its fresh pasta dough filled with roasted butternut squash and three types of cheese. Served with a delicious browned butter sage pesto, this dish is sure to become a cozy favorite. It’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a special Thanksgiving meal.
Get the Recipe: Butternut Squash Cheese Ravioli with Browned Butter Sage Pesto.

Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers.

These Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers are the perfect appetizer for any summer gathering! They’re quick, easy, and full of flavor, combining fresh melon, mozzarella, and a delicious marinade. These colorful skewers are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Marinated Mozzarella Melon Skewers.

Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs

tomato orzo soup in a small bowl — Photo credit: Ambitious Kitchen

This creamy tomato orzo soup with mini turkey meatballs is the perfect cozy and healthy dinner. It features protein-packed meatballs simmered in a flavorful coconut milk tomato broth. A kid-friendly meal that’s also great for meal prep!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Orzo Soup with Mini Turkey Meatballs

Pesto Pizza

A colorful pizza topped with roasted cherry tomatoes, dollops of green pesto sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. The vibrant ingredients create a visually appealing and appetizing dish that could easily be featured in any collection of pesto recipes. — Image Credit: Love & Lemons

This pesto pizza recipe is gonna be a winner at your next pizza night! With basil pesto, mozzarella, and tomatoes on top, it’s easy, traditional, and packed with flavor.

Get The Recipe: Pesto Pizza