Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs
This Walnut Pesto Pasta with Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in just 25 minutes. The earthy walnut pesto pairs perfectly with al dente pasta, while golden garlic breadcrumbs add the ultimate crunch. A quick, simple, and impressive meal for summer dinners, gatherings, or weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Food Processor
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- For the Walnut Pesto:
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¾ cup walnuts
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- For the Pasta:
- 1 pound penne pasta (or gluten-free pasta, if desired)
- For the Crunchy Garlic Breadcrumbs:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, mashed
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until golden. Set aside.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving ¼ cup of the cooking water before draining.
- In a food processor, combine parsley, basil, garlic, walnuts, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Pulse until crumbly, then drizzle in olive oil until smooth.
- Toss pasta with pesto, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
- Top with garlic breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan or herbs, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Toasting the walnuts first enhances their nutty flavor.
- Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Add veggies like zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness.
- Store pesto separately for up to 5 days or freeze in small portions.
- Breadcrumbs stay crisp best when stored separately in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
