Pesto Penne Pasta Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n- Pesto:<\/strong> While traditional basil pesto is the go-to for this dish, you can use so many other pesto variations. Once you learn the basics of how to make pesto, you can swap in different nuts; add leafy greens, like this spinach pesto<\/a> or kale pesto<\/a>; or mix in other herbs, like in this parsley pesto<\/a>. You can make a vegan pesto<\/a> or nut-free pesto<\/a> for those with dietary restrictions. And of course you can always use store-bought pesto<\/a> if you don\u2019t have time (or ingredients) to make your own.<\/li>\n
- Pasta:<\/strong> Penne and pesto go great together because the sauce sticks well to the tube shape. But you can try any pasta shape<\/a> you want, from farfalle to fusilli. Strands like spaghetti or linguine are good, too, but if you\u2019re tossing in tomatoes or any other chopped add-ins, the smaller noodle shapes work best so you can get a little bit of everything in one bite.<\/li>\n
- Parmesan cheese:<\/strong> Because pesto is made with only a few ingredients, you want to use the best you can\u2014and that includes the cheese. To make perfect pesto, skip the powdered Parmesan in a can. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano<\/a> or Pecorino Romano are the most traditional. There\u2019s already cheese in the pesto, but adding more amps up the cheesy umami flavor and gives some body to the finished pasta dish. Save a little extra for one final sprinkle before serving.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Directions<\/h2>\nStep 1: Cook the pasta<\/h3>\n
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water. The starchy water helps incorporate everything when you toss the sauce and the pasta together.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Combine pesto and pasta<\/h3>\n
In a large bowl, whisk the pesto and, if using, the cream. Add the penne and halved tomatoes, and toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. Add a little pasta water to reach the desired creamy consistency. Right before serving, sprinkle with more cheese.<\/p>\n
![\"Penne](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Penne-with-Pesto-FT23_33257_ST_6_27_3.jpg?fit=700%2C467\")
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat are some variations of pesto penne pasta?<\/h2>\n
Penne with pesto is delicious on its own or simply tossed with tomatoes, but you can add so much more. Try protein, like shredded rotisserie chicken, sausage or chickpeas for a more well-rounded dish. Or go with shrimp, like this shrimp pesto pasta<\/a>. Pop in more vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli. Or try different seasonings, like dried herbs or red pepper flakes.<\/p>\nThis is also where you can have some fun with different pestos and pasta shapes. Think: ziti and kale pesto, spaghetti with vegan pesto, or gnocchi with pesto sauce<\/a>. The combinations are endless!<\/p>\nPesto Penne Pasta Tips<\/h2>\nHow do you store penne with pesto?<\/h3>\n
Like a lot of pesto recipes<\/a>, you can store penne with pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove; add water, a little extra cream or olive oil to loosen it up, if needed. Be careful not to overheat the pesto, it can turn black. You can also eat the pasta cold. Instant pasta salad!<\/p>\nWhat can you serve with pesto pasta?<\/h3>\n
You can serve many Italian-inspired appetizers and side dishes with pesto penne pasta. Think: tomato bruschetta<\/a>, a big Caesar salad<\/a> or this delightful radish and asparagus salad<\/a>. Serve any combination of roasted vegetables<\/a> for a side dish, or make the penne with pasta a side dish to any of these grilled chicken recipes<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Once you master pesto, there are so many things you can do with it, like make this pesto penne pasta.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7884,"featured_media":1949244,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[307794,304328,305271,304292,305487,304338,305334,303966,304988,303887,306848,305353,304268,307514,306297,306327,304350,324623,304016,304005,303883,307789,307614,305031],"categories-v2":[310754,308988,308984,308481,309216,308305,310796,308992,309337,308495,308935,308478,309603,309362,259483,310497,312156,312187,309001,309177,308579,308549,308476,310750,310591,308975],"coauthors":[341501],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-and-smoked-sausage-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Penne-and-Smoked-Sausage-Casserole_EXPS_CPLBZ19_46353_C11_01_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Chicken Casserole with Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-chicken-penne-casseroles\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pesto-Chicken-Casserole-with-Penne_EXPS_TOHD24_47791_KristinaVanni_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne and Smoked Sausage","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-and-smoked-sausage\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps28102_FM153592B03_18_10b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Penne-Pasta-Salad_EXPS_FT24_18505_EC_071024_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Lasagna","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-lasagna\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Pesto-Lasagna_EXPS_FT23_274055_ST_6_08_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-gorgonzola-with-chicken\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps45879_RDS2928499A10_25_2b_WEB.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage & Penne Marinara","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-penne-marinara\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Sausage-Penne-Marinara_exps48207_SD1785605D28_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-with-tomatoes-white-beans\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Penne-with-Tomatoes-White-Beans_exps140997_SD143205A01_31_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Chicken and Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-chicken-and-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Italian-Chicken-and-Penne_exps20748_FM143298B03_11_9b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Spicy Pepper Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/spicy-pepper-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14970_QC10175C35.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Penne Alfredo","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-penne-alfredo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Chicken-Penne-Alfredo_exps161510_SD2401789C08_09_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne & Sausage Casseroles","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-sausage-casseroles\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Penne-Sausage-Casseroles_exps45304_CFC2719783B04_02_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage and Squash Penne ","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-and-squash-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/0001\/01\/Sausage-and-Squash-Penne-_EXPS_THAS19_164485_B04_18_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Garlic Chicken Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/garlic-chicken-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Garlic-Chicken-Penne_exps26729_FIR2856595C03_12_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vegetarian Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/vegetarian-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps25254_QC10597D47B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vegetable Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/vegetable-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps32377_TH950745D18.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hearty Tomato-Olive Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/hearty-tomato-olive-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Hearty-Tomato-Olive-Penne_EXPS_DOBZ21_48023_E09_02_3b_v3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken and Sausage Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-and-sausage-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps94896_SD2401787D04_17_4b_WEB.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/","name":"Pesto Penne Pasta","datePublished":"2024-01-24","dateModified":"2024-03-19","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT5M","totalTime":"PT15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"Once you master pesto, there are so many things you can do with it, like make this pesto penne pasta.<\/span>","recipeIngredient":["1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta","1 cup prepared pesto","1\/2 cup heavy whipping cream, optional","2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved","1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the pasta","text":"Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water. The starchy water helps incorporate everything when you toss the sauce and the pasta together."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine pesto and pasta","text":"In a large bowl, whisk the pesto and, if using, the cream. Add the penne and halved tomatoes, and toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. Add a little pasta water to reach the desired creamy consistency. Right before serving, sprinkle with more cheese.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Penne-with-Pesto-FT23_33257_ST_6_27_3.jpg?fit=700,467"}],"recipeYield":"10 cups","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lesley Balla"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 463 calories","fatContent":"19g fat (4g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"8mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"509mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"60g carbohydrate (4g sugars","fiberContent":"4g fiber)","proteinContent":"14g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Europe, Italian"},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"274268","romance_copy_dek":"Once you master pesto, there are so many things you can do with it, like make this pesto penne pasta.<\/span>","enhanced_recipe_title":"Penne with Pesto","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta","IngredientText":"1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup prepared pesto","IngredientText":"1 cup prepared pesto"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup heavy whipping cream, optional","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup heavy whipping cream, optional"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved","IngredientText":"2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","RecipeId":274268,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Penne with Pesto Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Taste Recipes","Lastname":"Test Kitchen","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep\/Total Time: 15 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":6,"MaximumServingQuantity":6,"Yield":"10 cups","DigitalTitle":"Penne with Pesto","SubmittedTitle":"Penne with Pesto","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":0,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/24\/2024 2:25:12 PM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":10,"CookTimeInMinutes":5,"TotalTimeInMinutes":15,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Penne with Pesto","OriginalSourceProject":"Penne with Pesto","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":null,"FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. In a large bowl, whisk pesto and, if desired, cream. Add penne and tomatoes; toss to coat. Add pasta water to reach desired consistency. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.","SequenceNo":1}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Quick","ID":304350},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Europe","ID":305334},{"Name":"Italian","ID":305353},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"Saucepan","ID":304016},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Health & Wellness","ID":304988},{"Name":"Vegetarian","ID":305031},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cherry Tomatoes","ID":307794},{"Name":"Pasta","ID":307514},{"Name":"Tomatoes","ID":307789},{"Name":"Vegetables","ID":307614},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Dinner","ID":304292},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":1,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1-2\/3 cups: 463 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.","NoOfRatings":0,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43645,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312156,"name":"Pasta Dishes","slug":"pasta-dishes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312091,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Simmer a cozy supper with these pasta dish recipes, including vegetarian pasta recipes for meatless Monday.","parent":310796,"count":2946,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/"},{"term_id":312187,"name":"Pasta Sauces","slug":"pasta-sauces","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312122,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Dress up your noodles with these homemade pasta sauce recipes.","parent":312156,"count":246,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/pasta-sauces\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Penne with Pesto"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nPesto Penne Pasta Recipe: How to Make It<\/title>\n\n\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/\" \/>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe: How to Make It","description":"Make penne pasta with pesto sauce for a perfect light meal. Jazz it up with tomatoes, chicken, shrimp or any extra vegetables!","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Pesto Penne Pasta","og_description":"Make penne pasta with pesto sauce for a perfect light meal. Jazz it up with tomatoes, chicken, shrimp or any extra vegetables!","og_url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/","og_site_name":"Taste Recipes","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tasteofhome","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","twitter_site":"@tasteofhome","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"4 minutes","Written by":"Lesley Balla"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/","name":"Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe: How to Make It","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","datePublished":"2024-03-19T16:22:07+00:00","dateModified":"2024-03-19T16:22:07+00:00","description":"Make penne pasta with pesto sauce for a perfect light meal. Jazz it up with tomatoes, chicken, shrimp or any extra vegetables!","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","width":1200,"height":1200,"caption":"Penne With Pesto Exps Ft23 274268 St 6 27 1"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Recipes","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Recipes","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Ingredients","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ingredients\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"name":"Vegetables","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ingredients\/vegetables\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":6,"name":"Tomatoes","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ingredients\/vegetables\/tomatoes\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":7,"name":"Cherry Tomatoes","item":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/ingredients\/vegetables\/tomatoes\/cherry-tomatoes\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":8,"name":"Pesto Penne Pasta"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/","name":"Taste Recipes","description":"Find Recipes, Appetizers, Desserts, Holiday Recipes & Healthy Cooking Tips","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#organization","name":"Taste Recipes","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/toh-logo-red.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/toh-logo-red.png","width":166,"height":125,"caption":"Taste Recipes"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/tasteofhome","https:\/\/x.com\/tasteofhome","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tasteofhome\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/taste_of_home\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/tasteofhome"]}]}},"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2025-05-19 06:37:25","action":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe\/1949243"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/recipe"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7884"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1949243"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe\/1949243\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2017426,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/recipe\/1949243\/revisions\/2017426"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1949244"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1949243"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1949243"},{"taxonomy":"categories-v2","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories-v2?post=1949243"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1949243"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Directions<\/h2>\nStep 1: Cook the pasta<\/h3>\n
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water. The starchy water helps incorporate everything when you toss the sauce and the pasta together.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Combine pesto and pasta<\/h3>\n
In a large bowl, whisk the pesto and, if using, the cream. Add the penne and halved tomatoes, and toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. Add a little pasta water to reach the desired creamy consistency. Right before serving, sprinkle with more cheese.<\/p>\n
Penne with pesto is delicious on its own or simply tossed with tomatoes, but you can add so much more. Try protein, like shredded rotisserie chicken, sausage or chickpeas for a more well-rounded dish. Or go with shrimp, like this shrimp pesto pasta<\/a>. Pop in more vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli. Or try different seasonings, like dried herbs or red pepper flakes.<\/p>\n This is also where you can have some fun with different pestos and pasta shapes. Think: ziti and kale pesto, spaghetti with vegan pesto, or gnocchi with pesto sauce<\/a>. The combinations are endless!<\/p>\n Like a lot of pesto recipes<\/a>, you can store penne with pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove; add water, a little extra cream or olive oil to loosen it up, if needed. Be careful not to overheat the pesto, it can turn black. You can also eat the pasta cold. Instant pasta salad!<\/p>\n You can serve many Italian-inspired appetizers and side dishes with pesto penne pasta. Think: tomato bruschetta<\/a>, a big Caesar salad<\/a> or this delightful radish and asparagus salad<\/a>. Serve any combination of roasted vegetables<\/a> for a side dish, or make the penne with pasta a side dish to any of these grilled chicken recipes<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Once you master pesto, there are so many things you can do with it, like make this pesto penne pasta.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7884,"featured_media":1949244,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[307794,304328,305271,304292,305487,304338,305334,303966,304988,303887,306848,305353,304268,307514,306297,306327,304350,324623,304016,304005,303883,307789,307614,305031],"categories-v2":[310754,308988,308984,308481,309216,308305,310796,308992,309337,308495,308935,308478,309603,309362,259483,310497,312156,312187,309001,309177,308579,308549,308476,310750,310591,308975],"coauthors":[341501],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Penne and Smoked Sausage Casserole","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-and-smoked-sausage-casserole\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Penne-and-Smoked-Sausage-Casserole_EXPS_CPLBZ19_46353_C11_01_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Chicken Casserole with Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-chicken-penne-casseroles\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Pesto-Chicken-Casserole-with-Penne_EXPS_TOHD24_47791_KristinaVanni_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne and Smoked Sausage","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-and-smoked-sausage\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps28102_FM153592B03_18_10b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne Pasta Salad","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-pasta-salad\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Penne-Pasta-Salad_EXPS_FT24_18505_EC_071024_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pesto Lasagna","post_link":"\/recipes\/pesto-lasagna\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Pesto-Lasagna_EXPS_FT23_274055_ST_6_08_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne Gorgonzola with Chicken","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-gorgonzola-with-chicken\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps45879_RDS2928499A10_25_2b_WEB.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage & Penne Marinara","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-penne-marinara\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Sausage-Penne-Marinara_exps48207_SD1785605D28_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne with Tomatoes & White Beans","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-with-tomatoes-white-beans\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Penne-with-Tomatoes-White-Beans_exps140997_SD143205A01_31_2bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Italian Chicken and Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/italian-chicken-and-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Italian-Chicken-and-Penne_exps20748_FM143298B03_11_9b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Spicy Pepper Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/spicy-pepper-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps14970_QC10175C35.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken Penne Alfredo","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-penne-alfredo\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Chicken-Penne-Alfredo_exps161510_SD2401789C08_09_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Penne & Sausage Casseroles","post_link":"\/recipes\/penne-sausage-casseroles\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Penne-Sausage-Casseroles_exps45304_CFC2719783B04_02_3bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage and Squash Penne ","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-and-squash-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/0001\/01\/Sausage-and-Squash-Penne-_EXPS_THAS19_164485_B04_18_7b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Garlic Chicken Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/garlic-chicken-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Garlic-Chicken-Penne_exps26729_FIR2856595C03_12_1bC_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vegetarian Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/vegetarian-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps25254_QC10597D47B.jpg"},{"post_title":"Vegetable Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/vegetable-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps32377_TH950745D18.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hearty Tomato-Olive Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/hearty-tomato-olive-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Hearty-Tomato-Olive-Penne_EXPS_DOBZ21_48023_E09_02_3b_v3.jpg"},{"post_title":"Chicken and Sausage Penne","post_link":"\/recipes\/chicken-and-sausage-penne\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps94896_SD2401787D04_17_4b_WEB.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/penne-pasta-pesto\/","name":"Pesto Penne Pasta","datePublished":"2024-01-24","dateModified":"2024-03-19","prepTime":"PT10M","cookTime":"PT5M","totalTime":"PT15M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner"],"description":"Once you master pesto, there are so many things you can do with it, like make this pesto penne pasta.<\/span>","recipeIngredient":["1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta","1 cup prepared pesto","1\/2 cup heavy whipping cream, optional","2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved","1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the pasta","text":"Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water. The starchy water helps incorporate everything when you toss the sauce and the pasta together."},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Combine pesto and pasta","text":"In a large bowl, whisk the pesto and, if using, the cream. Add the penne and halved tomatoes, and toss everything together so the pasta gets coated with the sauce. Add a little pasta water to reach the desired creamy consistency. Right before serving, sprinkle with more cheese.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Penne-with-Pesto-FT23_33257_ST_6_27_3.jpg?fit=700,467"}],"recipeYield":"10 cups","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lesley Balla"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 463 calories","fatContent":"19g fat (4g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"8mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"509mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"60g carbohydrate (4g sugars","fiberContent":"4g fiber)","proteinContent":"14g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"recipeCuisine":"Europe, Italian"},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"274268","romance_copy_dek":"Once you master pesto, there are so many things you can do with it, like make this pesto penne pasta.<\/span>","enhanced_recipe_title":"Penne with Pesto","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta","IngredientText":"1 package (16 ounces) penne pasta"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup prepared pesto","IngredientText":"1 cup prepared pesto"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup heavy whipping cream, optional","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup heavy whipping cream, optional"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved","IngredientText":"2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","RecipeId":274268,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Penne with Pesto Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Taste Recipes","Lastname":"Test Kitchen","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep\/Total Time: 15 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":6,"MaximumServingQuantity":6,"Yield":"10 cups","DigitalTitle":"Penne with Pesto","SubmittedTitle":"Penne with Pesto","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":0,"WebPublishedDate":"1\/24\/2024 2:25:12 PM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":10,"CookTimeInMinutes":5,"TotalTimeInMinutes":15,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Penne with Pesto","OriginalSourceProject":"Penne with Pesto","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":null,"FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water. In a large bowl, whisk pesto and, if desired, cream. Add penne and tomatoes; toss to coat. Add pasta water to reach desired consistency. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.","SequenceNo":1}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Quick","ID":304350},{"Name":"Cuisines","ID":305271},{"Name":"Europe","ID":305334},{"Name":"Italian","ID":305353},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"Saucepan","ID":304016},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Health & Wellness","ID":304988},{"Name":"Vegetarian","ID":305031},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cherry Tomatoes","ID":307794},{"Name":"Pasta","ID":307514},{"Name":"Tomatoes","ID":307789},{"Name":"Vegetables","ID":307614},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Dinner","ID":304292},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":1,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1-2\/3 cups: 463 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 509mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.","NoOfRatings":0,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Penne-with-Pesto_EXPS_FT23_274268_ST_6_27_1.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":false,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43645,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312156,"name":"Pasta Dishes","slug":"pasta-dishes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312091,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Simmer a cozy supper with these pasta dish recipes, including vegetarian pasta recipes for meatless Monday.","parent":310796,"count":2946,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/"},{"term_id":312187,"name":"Pasta Sauces","slug":"pasta-sauces","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312122,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Dress up your noodles with these homemade pasta sauce recipes.","parent":312156,"count":246,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/pasta-sauces\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Penne with Pesto"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nTaste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat are some variations of pesto penne pasta?<\/h2>\n
Pesto Penne Pasta Tips<\/h2>\n
How do you store penne with pesto?<\/h3>\n
What can you serve with pesto pasta?<\/h3>\n