I’ve said it before, I’ll say it forever – pesto is the besto!
Pesto is one of the most versatile and flavorful sauces you can keep in your kitchen. It is absolutely my desert island condiment.
Whether you’re using homemade pesto made with fresh basil, pine nuts and extra virgin olive oil, or grabbing store-bought pesto for convenience, it’s a great way to add bold, herby flavor to just about anything.
From pasta dishes to appetizers and even pesto pizza, I’m counting down my all-time favorite pesto recipes you’ll want to make again and again!
10. Pesto Ricotta Pappardelle with Burst Tomatoes
When the summer garden is overflowing with fresh tomatoes, I’m making this dish on repeat!
We toss wide ribbons of pappardelle pasta with pillowy ricotta, vibrant homemade pesto, and blistered cherry tomatoes that burst with every bite.
The sweetness and slight acidity from the tomatoes cuts right through the rich, creamy sauce, creating a balance that feels both indulgent and fresh.
It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when summer produce is at its peak.
9. Polenta Rounds with Pesto Chicken and Roasted Red Peppers
This is an easy appetizer that only looks like it was complicated.
Crispy polenta rounds topped with pesto chicken and roasted red peppers make a colorful, flavorful party food that’s also gluten free!
The golden, crunchy polenta base is the perfect vessel for tender, herb-coated chicken and sweet, smoky peppers. These little bites are as beautiful on a platter as they are delicious, and they come together faster than you’d expect.
Make it super easy and use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken breasts. Your guests will never guess how simple they were to pull off.
8. Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
A comforting chicken recipe that’s rich, satisfying and full of fresh flavor.
Toss pasta with grilled or sautéed chicken, pesto, cream and salty Parmesan cheese for a silky, herby sauce.
It’s a great way to turn basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal.
Take this recipe beyond chicken and customize it with your favorite protein! I love it with shrimp, salmon or even scallops.
7. Creamy Tomato Pesto Pasta
This recipe takes cozy to the max!
We’re blending the richness of cream with the tang of tomatoes and the herbaceous kick of pesto. And using tomato paste adds a deep, rich tomato flavor that’s super comforting.
This dish is easy enough for busy weeknight dinners but can also be dressed up for a weekend meal.
6. Sausage and Pesto Calzone
This hearty, handheld meal is filled with sausage, pesto, and two kinds of gooey cheese.
It’s a fun twist on pizza! And the homemade Italian seasoning takes the crust over the top.
Slice it up and serve it on game day, movie night or at parties. Or, pair it with a crisp salad for a light meal.
5. Naan Pizza with Pesto and Sun Dried Tomatoes
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!
Use naan as a quick base, spread a little bit of pesto sauce, and top with mozzarella cheese and sun-dried tomatoes
Bake until bubbly and golden, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
It’s a simple pesto pizza that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The whole family will love this one!
4. Creamy Pesto Alfredo Sauce
Here, we’re taking a classic recipe for Alfredo sauce and elevating it with herby, garlicky pesto.
The combination of rich cream, real butter, fresh garlic and pesto creates a luxurious sauce perfect for pasta or even as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
I love how this indulgent sauce feels both special and familiar at the same time.
3. Pesto Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Growing up, it was always a special night when Mom made stuffed shells.
These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a mixture of ricotta, pesto, and cheese, then baked in rich tomato sauce until bubbly.
It’s comforting, cheesy and perfect for making ahead.
2. Sun Dried Tomato and Pesto Torte
A layered, savory torte that’s perfect for entertaining!
This one always gets so many compliments. Layers of cream cheese, pesto and sun-dried tomatoes create a stunning appetizer that’s both elegant and totally addictive.
Serve it with crackers, crusty bread or baguette slices for a truly unforgettable experience.
1. Cold Pesto Pasta Salad
During the summer months, you’ll almost always find this refreshing side dish in our fridge.
Inviting me to a BBQ? Be sure that I’ll be bringing this with me.
This cold pasta salad combines pesto, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and sweet summer corn.
It’s ideal for meal prep and summer gatherings, and a great addition to any picnic spread.
Final Thoughts
All of the recipes in this list use my classic basil pesto recipe. It’s easy, you can double and triple the recipe and it freezes forever. That said, there are good store-bought options out there!
I hope you try and love these recipes, and I can’t wait to hear about it!
Let me know what you’re trying first – I love hearing from you! Happy cooking.
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