Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto

Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto | WorldofPastabilities.com

Ahhh….summer.  The schedules are looser and the days are longer.  I’m finding myself washing a lot of dishes so far too…which is a good thing.  It means there is lots of cooking, eating and entertaining going on around here.

Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto | WorldofPastabilities.com

Summer is also a time when I pretend to have a green thumb.  Actually, I’m making some progress this year.  This Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto is straight from my garden!  Here’s the background:  Last summer, John wanted to plant a huge garden with all kinds of vegetables and herbs.  (Note: We are newbies when it comes to gardening.)  I knew I had to create a “contained” space to manage this “first year” gardening experiment without squelching his enthusiasm.  🙂

Raised Garden | WorldofPastabilties.com

So, I researched and found these wonderful raised beds from a company called Gronomics, each one about 2 feet by 4 feet.  Perfectly sized for a small variety of plants and just the right height for our aging backs…wink wink.  Year one results?  One very expensive odd shaped cucumber.  And one tomato.  The animals enjoyed all the rest.

Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto | WorldofPastabilities.com

This year?  We went with all herbs.  Lots of basil, parsley, and dill planted in our raised gardens.  And mint in a separate pot.  Manageable amount with herbs that I can use all summer long.  And it’s heaven!  Do you see these beauties?  I’m feeling pretty proud of myself.

Raised Garden | WorldofPastabilities.com

Especially when I can make one of the most versatile, freshest, Italian pasta sauces over and over again – Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto.  Remember my Simple Pesto White Wine Sauce with Bay Scallop recipe?  That is fantastic, but when the season for fresh herbs is here, you must take advantage!  Homemade and as fresh as it gets.  And if I can do it, so can you!

Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto | WorldofPastabilities.com

I prefer this classic pesto version that blends fresh basil and fresh parsley.  This blend of herbs creates a lighter more balanced overall taste in my opinion.  And you can put this pesto on anything!  Here I am featuring our summery and fun Palm Tree Paradise Pasta.  Pesto is great on short shapes but can be used on long as well, like the Simple Pesto recipe above…it just depends on the dish.  Don’t miss checking out another flavorful pesto, our Kale and Walnut version…yum!  Great to make off season.

Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto | WorldofPastabilities.com

“Everyday” had to be in the name because this pesto should be a summer staple.  It’s wonderful layered in a cheese torte and served with pita chips or crackers.  Delicious as a spread on a sandwich.  Toss with grilled or roasted veggies.  Drizzle on fresh fish.  But my family’s favorite and mine too, best of all, is homemade pesto tossed with some warm pasta.  And you can top it with fresh tomatoes, fresh Parm or whatever else seems right!  Enjoy!

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Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto

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4.8 from 40 reviews

Make this during the summer months when fresh basil and pesto are readily available! Simple and delicious to use everyday…

Ingredients

Scale
  • 14 oz. bag of Palm Tree Pasta (or substitute another short or long shape)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
  • 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, packed
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 t. salt

Instructions

  1. In a food processor, place garlic and mince.
  2. Add all other ingredients and pulse and puree until smooth.
  3. Adjust seasonings if needed.
  4. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain. Do not rinse.
  5. Toss pesto with warm pasta.
  6. Serve with chopped fresh tomatoes and fresh Parmesan.

Notes

Pesto can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Or freeze in a tightly covered container or for individual servings, freeze in an ice cube tray.

Our pasta is best tossed with pesto and served right away, as it is very absorbent. For leftovers, I’ll reheat pasta slightly and toss again with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil.

 

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102 Comments

  1. Jan on September 6, 2020 at 12:35 pm

    I love that all of these people say “it looks yummy, I’m going to try it”, amazing, etc”. There isn’t one comment on how good it actually tastes……….I’d like to make it but won’t until I READ a taste-tester’s opinion………how ’bout it??????

    • carey on September 8, 2020 at 10:57 am

      I can vouch for the great taste!:) I’d love for you to make it and let me know what you think!

  2. Ryan Origon on June 18, 2015 at 8:52 am

    The fresh ingredients look amazing!!

  3. Rushell Tuggle on June 17, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    Yum! This look so fresh! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

  4. Renee J. on June 17, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    I always enjoy all your fun recipes and LOVE the fun shaped Palm Tree Pasta!






  5. Guss on June 17, 2015 at 9:14 pm

    nothing beats fresh basil!

  6. Nicole Margrif on June 17, 2015 at 9:01 pm

    I cannot wait to try, looks delicious.






  7. Heidi Salisbury on June 17, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Looks delicious !






  8. Denise W on June 17, 2015 at 6:16 pm

    Holy Basil! This looks YUM! I am definitely going to give this recipe a try!!!






  9. Jennifer Essad on June 17, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    we really like simple meals in the summer ‪#‎WackyWednesday‬ we’re on the go or enjoying a day of swimming so lighter meals are better for us too






  10. Sandra Moore on June 17, 2015 at 5:13 pm

    Wacky Wednesday you have really outdone yourself! This dish sounds and looks delicious. It’s light enough to eat even after a day of working in the hot sun which is exactly what I’m looking for.






  11. Kirsten on June 17, 2015 at 5:02 pm

    Living in an apartment I can’t have a garden any longer and I miss it. Your herbs look beautiful and the recipe sounds delicious.

  12. Katie Martino on June 17, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    This looks delicious!!!

  13. Stephanie Roberts on June 17, 2015 at 4:14 pm

    Looks delicious…I would love to try!






  14. Elizabeth Sunderland on June 17, 2015 at 3:54 pm

    I usually do a garden every year but last year I hurt my thumb after starting a garden and it became all weeds. This year I haven’t done anything except my herb garden, which is in the process of being taken over by the strawberries. Like you, I love having fresh veggies and herbs at my disposal.

  15. Candace Galan-Calderon on June 17, 2015 at 3:38 pm

    This looks so good and perfect for Summer!

  16. Cindi Hoag on June 17, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    I am growing basil this year, going to try this!






  17. wendy ann sulek on June 17, 2015 at 3:23 pm

    Looks delicious!






  18. Malia W on June 17, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    fresh basil is my fave.. I love your photos..they are always lovely






  19. Gem on June 17, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    The dish looks scrumptious, and I would love to grow basil like that!

  20. Sara D. on June 17, 2015 at 3:08 pm

    Sounds great….love pesto! Nice and light for Summer!






  21. Christa Lopez on June 17, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    This looks delicious! I can’t wait to try this one!






  22. nosogirl on June 17, 2015 at 2:30 pm

    The recipe looks fabulous! Can’t wait to try it! #ontheblog

  23. Michael G. on June 17, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    Look really tasty!

  24. Nicole Flynn on June 17, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    This does look great! Basil is one of my all-time favorite herbs to use when I’m cooking.






  25. kelly on June 17, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    im hungry baby..feed me!

  26. sean fiorenza on June 17, 2015 at 1:48 pm

    yummy I gotta make this






  27. Kari Judd on June 17, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    Looks Really Delicious!!






  28. Nancy Maramonte on June 17, 2015 at 1:30 pm

    I love fresh herbs in recipes! This looks yummy!

  29. Jessica C on June 17, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Oh my, this looks amazing! I’m making this tonight!!!

  30. Wanda McHenry on June 17, 2015 at 1:16 pm

    Great dish! Nothing beats the combination of basil, tomatoes and pasta.

  31. Erika Chilton on June 17, 2015 at 1:07 pm

    This looks so delicious, I will definitely be trying this out! ‪#‎WackyWednesday‬






  32. Misty Lester on June 17, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    I grow my own basil. I have some dried, some frozen in ice cube trays with butter and/or EVOO. So yummy and easy. #ontheblog

    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      Misty- what a great way to preserve that fresh basil taste and save a step in the process. Thanks!

  33. nicole ford on June 17, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    wow this look so tasty gotta try it






  34. Strawberry Fields on June 17, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    This looks absolutely delish! I must give it a try! Thank you.

  35. rob fiorenza on June 17, 2015 at 12:28 pm

    anything with basil is always yummy






  36. John Herman on June 17, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    We grow basil in our garden and this recipe looks great!

  37. Lauren G. on June 17, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    I love to use basil in my food. I would like this recipe.

  38. Jennifer Herman on June 17, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    This looks do good! I would love to make this!

  39. carol naes on June 17, 2015 at 12:10 pm

    would be great with all the fresh Herbs in my garden






  40. Amber Stewart on June 17, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    This looks sooo yummy & delicious!






  41. Tamara B. on June 17, 2015 at 11:51 am

    I love adding basil to everything! Thank-you for another delicious recipe I pinned it






    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:52 am

      Appreciate the pin!

  42. melinda singer on June 17, 2015 at 11:39 am

    When I’ve run out of fresh basil and the store is too far away I make a pesto with spinach! a lighter version but still yummy.






    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Spinach is another great choice too! I haven’t done that in a while but have it on my list!

  43. Sandra U. on June 17, 2015 at 11:38 am

    Looks delicious and easy to make.

  44. Natalie J Vandenberghe on June 17, 2015 at 11:37 am

    The salad looks delicious! Thanks for sharing the recipe.






  45. Jennifer Souveroff on June 17, 2015 at 11:32 am

    Wow! I love the recipe. I will definitely be cooking it in the warm summer days to come.






  46. Kim Davis on June 17, 2015 at 11:21 am

    I love growing basil and am so going to try this recipe. The palm tree pasta is perfect.






    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:53 am

      Please try it and let me know what you think! Hope your basil is flourishing like mine!!

  47. April Lister on June 17, 2015 at 11:21 am

    i have 9 elevated gardens, the pasta looks great!






    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:54 am

      I’m jealous….9? Really? Impressive!

  48. brandi ellison on June 17, 2015 at 11:18 am

    Yumm this recipe is calling my name for dinner tonight, and its a date!






  49. Courtney on June 17, 2015 at 11:15 am

    This looks so delicious !! I have never done my own pesto but I’m gonna have to try!






    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:56 am

      It’s easy so please try to make your own…you’ll be happy you did!

  50. Melissa Craig Marcum on June 17, 2015 at 10:39 am

    I adore pesto and this recipe looks delicious!!! I will be duplicating it 😀 ‪#‎WackyWednesday‬






    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:54 am

      Thanks Melissa!!

  51. Amber Iwamoto on June 17, 2015 at 10:17 am

    This looks so good! I’m going to make this over the weekend!






  52. steven epstein on June 17, 2015 at 9:53 am

    this looks outta sight!. always better to make your own at home






  53. Leland lee on June 17, 2015 at 9:52 am

    Can’t wait to try

  54. heather hess on June 17, 2015 at 9:50 am

    looks so good. love using fresh ingredients






  55. Sheila Vives on June 17, 2015 at 9:49 am

    I love fresh basil ! This looks really good and I will have to try it. Thank you so much for the photos and the recipe ! #WackyWednesday

    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:55 am

      You are welcome – I hope you enjoy it!!!

  56. Dana S on June 17, 2015 at 9:48 am

    This looks awesome! I love pesto! Thanks for having this weekly contest and for the wonderful recipes.

    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:55 am

      Enjoy the recipes…we a site full of good ones!!

  57. nancy fiorenza on June 17, 2015 at 9:46 am

    wow this looks delicious I love knew pasta ideas






  58. lisa mcfarland on June 17, 2015 at 9:37 am

    looks wonderful – it is great growing your own herbs

  59. Laticha A on June 17, 2015 at 9:34 am

    looks so yummy, i want some now, so hungry






  60. Andrea Workman on June 17, 2015 at 9:25 am

    i can’t wait to get my own house so I can have a garden as amazing as yours!

  61. katy grose on June 17, 2015 at 9:08 am

    I really want to try this recipe using your Pasta it looks delicious

  62. alisa on June 17, 2015 at 9:00 am

    i love basil on my pasta or with my pasta. we like to grow ours indoors

    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:56 am

      I’ve never tried the indoors but I bet it works great….probably near a window?!

  63. Alicia T on June 17, 2015 at 8:53 am

    Keep these coming! 🙂

  64. Kay on June 17, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I can’t wait to try this. Fantastic summer dish! Thanks for the recipe.






  65. Kathleen Walsh on June 17, 2015 at 8:09 am

    This looks so good! My family will love it!

  66. Barbara Hoffmann on June 17, 2015 at 7:53 am

    I really must try this recipe! Looks delicious!

  67. Susan S on June 17, 2015 at 7:49 am

    This looks Yummy I’m Hungry Now 🙂

  68. Deborah Farris on June 17, 2015 at 7:42 am

    Looks totally delish! Definitely something I have to try!

  69. Lu on June 17, 2015 at 7:41 am

    ‪#‎WackyWednesday‬ yum this would be awesome. could be a main course or a side dish. Would love to make this every weekend for family picnics yummy.






  70. Jennifer Alford on June 17, 2015 at 7:40 am

    I love the herb garden !! The pesto Pasta looks fab and is a great summer dish!! Thanks for the recipe

  71. Karen D on June 17, 2015 at 7:39 am

    What a great summer meal! Looks yummy.

  72. Jennifer Duran on June 17, 2015 at 7:31 am

    this looks delicious and like a good food to bring to a party! or better yet picnic!

  73. Margaret Hadam-Hay on June 17, 2015 at 7:30 am

    we love pesto – kale, basil, arugula, anything really. We make it about once a week with whatever greens are starting to wilt in the crisper and whatever herbs are in the garden.

    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:57 am

      There are so many versions of pesto!! You sound like a pesto queen!

  74. Jeanne Grove on June 17, 2015 at 7:29 am

    Amazing herb garden. Pasta dish looks delicious too. #WackyWednesday #Ontheblog

  75. Cheryl Messick on June 17, 2015 at 7:20 am

    Yummy, this looks so good, thanks for sharing






  76. Tiffany Becker on June 17, 2015 at 7:18 am

    Looks amazing!!!! Especially on a hot summer day! Definitely need to try! Thanks for sharing! 🙂






  77. Beverly Strong Chisnall on June 17, 2015 at 7:16 am

    The Everyday Basil Parsley Pesto I am going to have to try it. Your garden looks great. I tried to have one this year but we got to much rain and washed it all away.

    • carey on June 17, 2015 at 11:58 am

      Hate to hear that! Every year is different, huh?! Better luck next time…but don’t wait that long to make it!

  78. Lori Williams on June 17, 2015 at 7:02 am

    Love the Palm Tree Pasta shape!! And I am all about Basil!! YUM!! Thank you for sharing! #WackyWednesday #ontheblog

  79. Nicolette Beauregard-LaDuke on June 17, 2015 at 7:00 am

    This is something I could make.

  80. Crystal Shuler on June 17, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Looks yummy! Love the color the tomatoes add!!

  81. Wendy Lightner on June 17, 2015 at 6:51 am

    Looks so good! Definitely with fresh parmasen.






  82. teena sierson on June 17, 2015 at 6:51 am

    This looks like a dish i really could enjoy Thanks






  83. Glenna F on June 17, 2015 at 6:49 am

    This looks delicious!

  84. Heidi on June 17, 2015 at 6:42 am

    This looks amazing, best recipes!!!

  85. Kari on June 17, 2015 at 6:37 am

    Nice herb garden! The dish looks amazing also.

  86. katrina worford on June 17, 2015 at 6:33 am

    that dish looks so good #WinWednesday

  87. Terri Warwick on June 17, 2015 at 6:33 am

    Now this really looks delish on a hot summer day!

  88. Anne M. on June 17, 2015 at 6:32 am

    Looks delicious! I grow my own basil, so fresh and tasty!

  89. Kathy B. on June 17, 2015 at 5:32 am

    Wow! I am very impressed with your herb garden. That basil is enormous and looks beautiful!! You’re inspiring me to get growing, so I can enjoy this delicious pesto pasta whenever I want! Thanks for sharing!

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