18 Delicious Ways to Use Pesto Sauce

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Wondering what to eat with pesto? This versatile Italian herb sauce can be used in so many delicious ways!

Pesto is a flavorful green sauce made with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It’s a versatile sauce, but you may still be wondering what to eat with pesto.

Whether you make your own pesto using a food processor or opt for store-bought varieties, the possibilities are endless. Below you’ll find 15 creative ways to use pesto in your kitchen, adding a burst of freshness and complexity to your meals.

With these 15 great easy choices, pesto becomes the go-to recipe for busy weeknights, outdoor grills, or simply when you want to add a whole lot of flavor to your favorite things.

1. Classic Pesto Pasta

The traditional pesto pasta recipe is the best place to start. Toss al dente pasta with your homemade pesto or store-bought basil pesto, and garnish with a swirl of pesto for that extra burst of flavor.

2. Caprese Salad with Pesto Drizzle

Take your Caprese salad to the next level by adding a swirl of pesto. The creamy texture of the mozzarella combined with the juicy tomatoes and the rich basil pesto creates a perfect harmony.

3. Pizza

Transform your homemade pizza into a gourmet delight by spreading a layer of pesto as the base sauce instead of marinara or pizza sauce. Add your favorite toppings for an explosion of flavors with every bite.

4. Pesto Chicken Pasta

Juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with pesto-infused pasta make for a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of lean chicken and the rich, herbal notes of pesto is a match made in heaven.

5. Gnocchi

Give your gnocchi a flavor boost by tossing them in a luscious pesto sauce. The potato dumplings absorb the pesto’s essence, creating a comforting and filling dish.

6. Eggs

For a quick and easy breakfast, swirl a little bit of pesto into your scrambled eggs. The herbaceous kick will brighten up your morning.

7. Lasagna

We all love lasagna but the secret to a truly AMAZING lasagna is to add pesto sauce to those delicious layers! It takes the wow factor to a 10!

8. Pesto-infused Creamy Sauces

Add a dollop of pesto to your creamy sauces, whether it’s homemade alfredo, jarred alfredo, or béchamel. The herbaceous notes complement the richness, creating a perfect balance.

9. Pesto-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Make a pocket in skinless chicken breasts and stuff them with a mixture of pesto and cream cheese. Bake until golden brown for a succulent and flavorful main course.

10. Pesto Garlic Bread

Spread pesto on slices of garlic bread for a delicious twist. The combination of garlic, basil, and Parmesan takes this classic to a whole new level.

11. Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Mix pesto with a rich tomato sauce and toss it with your favorite pasta for a delightful fusion of flavors. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick.

12. Roast Vegetables

Drizzle pesto over roast vegetables for a vibrant and herbaceous touch. The combination of golden brown veggies and the freshness of pesto is a feast for the eyes and the palate.

13. Pesto Pull Apart Bread

You’ll be the hit of the party if you show up with cheesy, delicious pesto pull-apart bread. This is an easy recipe but thanks to the pesto it’s packed with flavor!

14. White Beans

Mix pesto with white beans for a creamy and protein-packed side dish. It’s a fantastic recipe that works well as a dip or a spread on crusty bread.

15. Pesto-Infused Sweet Potatoes

Roast sweet potatoes with a coating of pesto for a unique and flavorful twist. The earthiness of sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the herbal notes of fresh pesto.

16. Pesto Potato Salad

Try a lightened up version of classic potato salad with this easy recipe that features green beans for an extra dose of green to compliment the pesto.

17. Pesto-Marinated White Fish

Elevate your fresh fish by marinating it in a mixture of pesto, lemon juice, and olive oil before grilling. The result is a dish with a golden brown crust and a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

18. Pesto Salad Dressing

Whip up a quick pesto vinaigrette by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a spoonful of pesto. It’s an excellent way to jazz up your salads.