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If you’re craving meals that are as flavorful as they are simple to make, these 23+ pesto dinner recipes will bring the fresh, herby magic of pesto to your table in delicious new ways.
Whether you’re tossing it with pasta, layering it into sandwiches, or spooning it over grilled proteins, pesto adds a bold punch of flavor with minimal effort.
Its irresistible combination of basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, and nuts creates a vibrant green sauce that instantly upgrades everyday dishes.
From cozy casseroles and crisp flatbreads to hearty rice bowls and vegetarian-friendly options, there’s a pesto dinner recipe here for every mood and craving.
23+ Quick and Delicious Pesto Dinner Recipes for Quick Weeknight Meals
From creamy pastas to golden flatbreads and everything in between, these pesto dinner recipes are a testament to how versatile this vibrant green sauce truly is.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform your weeknight meals into something restaurant-worthy and incredibly satisfying.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with homemade or store-bought pesto—either way, these dishes are guaranteed to impress.
Try one tonight and discover how easy it is to bring bold, fresh flavor to your dinner routine.
Pesto Chicken Pasta
Pesto Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, al dente pasta, and the bold, herby punch of fresh basil pesto.
As it simmers, the aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts fills the kitchen with rich Italian comfort.
Each bite delivers a creamy, nutty flavor balanced by juicy chicken and the chewy satisfaction of pasta.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or served cold as a pasta salad, this dish offers endless pairing options—from roasted veggies to garlic bread.
Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes
Light, fresh, and packed with flavor, Pesto Zoodles with Cherry Tomatoes is the ultimate low-carb dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
The zucchini noodles provide a crisp, tender texture that soaks up the homemade pesto like a sponge.
Juicy bursts of cherry tomato add sweetness and color, while a sprinkle of Parmesan ties it all together with a salty, creamy finish.
Serve it warm or chilled, on its own or beside grilled chicken or shrimp for a refreshing and guilt-free meal.
Pesto Stuffed Shells
Pesto Stuffed Shells offer a comforting, cheesy indulgence with an herbal twist.
Each jumbo pasta shell is packed with creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and a generous spoonful of pesto, creating a gooey, aromatic center.
As it bakes, the dish releases savory notes of garlic, basil, and melted cheese that perfume the air.
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables to turn this hearty dinner into a balanced and crowd-pleasing meal.
Pesto Grilled Cheese
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly gooey, Pesto Grilled Cheese is a bold upgrade to the classic sandwich.
Melty mozzarella and sharp provolone get a flavorful lift from a layer of vibrant green pesto, oozing out between two buttery, toasted slices of sourdough.
The aroma of sizzling cheese and basil hits your senses with every flip on the skillet.
Perfect as a standalone dinner or paired with tomato soup, it’s comfort food with a gourmet edge.
Pesto Baked Salmon
Pesto Baked Salmon is a quick, elegant dinner that brings a burst of flavor and nutrition to your plate.
The rich, flaky salmon is topped with a thick pesto crust that caramelizes slightly in the oven, locking in moisture and herbaceous goodness.
Hints of lemon and garlic rise with the steam, creating an irresistible fragrance.
Serve it with quinoa, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad for a light yet satisfying meal.
Pesto Flatbread Pizza
Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Pesto Flatbread Pizza transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner.
The flatbread base is slathered in basil pesto, topped with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
As it bakes, the cheese bubbles and the aroma of herbs and olive oil fills the air.
Great on its own or served with a side of soup or wine, it’s a versatile dish perfect for casual dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Pesto Shrimp Pasta
Pesto Shrimp Pasta is a quick yet elegant dinner that brings together tender shrimp and herby pesto in a single harmonious dish.
As the shrimp sizzles, its sweet aroma mingles with garlic and fresh basil, creating a mouthwatering scent that fills the kitchen.
The velvety pesto clings to each strand of pasta, delivering nutty richness with a subtle kick of lemon.
Enjoy it solo or pair with a crisp white wine and steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Pesto Gnocchi
Pesto Gnocchi is a pillowy, flavor-packed dish that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Each soft gnocchi piece is coated in a glossy basil pesto that seeps into every crevice, offering bursts of garlicky, cheesy flavor in every bite.
The aroma of toasted pine nuts and Parmesan fills the air as it heats, signaling comfort food at its finest.
Serve it alone or with a side of grilled sausage or roasted mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Pesto Chicken Bake
Pesto Chicken Bake is an effortless, oven-to-table dish layered with creamy mozzarella, juicy chicken, and aromatic pesto.
As it bakes, the cheese melts into a golden crust while the pesto infuses the chicken with earthy, herbal notes.
The result is a bubbling, savory masterpiece that fills the room with warmth and flavor.
Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies to round out a satisfying dinner.
Pesto Veggie Skillet
Pesto Veggie Skillet is a vibrant, meatless option brimming with color, texture, and bold flavor.
Sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms come alive in a coating of fresh pesto that adds depth and brightness.
The aroma of basil, garlic, and sautéed veggies is both comforting and invigorating.
Enjoy it as a light main dish, or serve over couscous, pasta, or crusty bread for added heartiness.
Pesto Turkey Burgers
Pesto Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic burger, infused with herbaceous freshness and juicy tenderness.
Each patty is mixed with pesto, giving it a rich green hue and a fragrant aroma that bursts with every bite.
Topped with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and a slice of tomato, these burgers offer a perfect balance of zest and comfort.
Serve on toasted buns with sweet potato fries or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal.
Pesto Caprese Sandwich
Pesto Caprese Sandwich is a fresh and simple dinner that delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in every crunchy bite.
Sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a generous smear of pesto are layered between ciabatta bread, then pressed to golden perfection.
As it grills, the cheese melts and the pesto’s scent intensifies, making each slice irresistible.
Serve with a cup of soup or enjoy solo for a light, flavor-packed evening meal.
Pesto Spaghetti
Pesto Spaghetti is a simple yet flavorful dish where every strand is coated in a luscious, green basil sauce.
As the spaghetti twirls on your fork, the aroma of garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil rises, teasing your senses with rustic Italian charm.
The texture is smooth and creamy, with the pasta absorbing every ounce of the nutty, herby pesto goodness.
Serve it on its own or alongside grilled chicken or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pesto Cauliflower Rice
Pesto Cauliflower Rice offers a low-carb, high-flavor alternative that’s both light and deeply savory.
The cauliflower crumbles soak up the pesto like a sponge, creating a warm, herb-infused dish with subtle crunch.
Hints of lemon and garlic dance in the air as it sizzles on the skillet, adding freshness and vibrancy to every bite.
Serve it as a side to baked salmon or enjoy it solo for a healthy yet indulgent dinner.
Pesto Avocado Toast
Pesto Avocado Toast is a vibrant fusion of creamy avocado and bold pesto spread over crispy sourdough.
The buttery texture of mashed avocado blends seamlessly with the sharp, herby notes of basil and garlic.
With each bite, the toasted edges give way to a creamy, flavorful center that tastes both fresh and indulgent.
Perfect on its own or topped with a fried egg or cherry tomatoes for an easy, elegant dinner.
Pesto Mac and Cheese
Pesto Mac and Cheese brings together the creamy comfort of cheese with the bright zing of basil pesto.
Each spoonful is rich and velvety, with melty cheese blending effortlessly into the herbal, nutty pesto sauce.
The smell of baked cheese and garlic fills the air as it bubbles in the oven, promising cozy satisfaction.
Serve it solo for ultimate comfort or pair with grilled sausage or a green salad to balance the richness.
Pesto Quinoa Bowl
Pesto Quinoa Bowl is a protein-packed, nutrient-rich dinner that’s full of earthy textures and zesty flavor.
The fluffy quinoa absorbs the basil pesto beautifully, delivering bright, savory flavor with every forkful.
Roasted veggies or chickpeas add texture and color, making the bowl both hearty and refreshing.
Enjoy it warm or cold, as a standalone meal or with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of feta on top.
Pesto Eggplant Rollatini
Pesto Eggplant Rollatini is a stunning vegetarian dish where thin eggplant slices wrap around a creamy pesto-ricotta filling.
The baking process melts the cheese and toasts the pesto, releasing an irresistible aroma of garlic, herbs, and roasted vegetables.
The texture is soft and tender, with each roll bursting with cheesy, herbaceous flavor.
Serve with a light tomato salad or crusty bread for a satisfying and elegant pesto-inspired dinner.
Pesto Chicken Quesadilla
Pesto Chicken Quesadilla is a fusion of Italian zest and Mexican comfort, layered with gooey cheese and herby pesto.
Golden tortillas wrap around tender chicken and melted mozzarella, with each bite delivering a satisfying crunch and a burst of bold flavor.
The scent of grilled tortillas and basil fills the kitchen, making it hard to wait before digging in.
Serve it with a side of salsa or a fresh green salad for a quick and flavorful dinner.
Pesto Rice Bowl
Pesto Rice Bowl is a wholesome, colorful dinner that’s easy to customize and full of bright, savory notes.
Fluffy rice acts as the perfect base for roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even a soft-boiled egg—all enhanced by a generous drizzle of pesto.
The smell of fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil brings comfort and freshness in every spoonful.
Whether served hot or cold, this bowl makes a balanced, satisfying meal on its own.
Pesto Pizza Rolls
Pesto Pizza Rolls are warm, cheesy spirals packed with herbaceous flavor and just the right touch of crunch.
As they bake, the smell of bubbling cheese, garlic, and basil draws everyone to the kitchen.
Each roll unravels into layers of pesto-coated dough and melted mozzarella, perfect for pulling apart.
Serve them with marinara sauce or enjoy as a fun, shareable dinner for the whole family.
Pesto Tofu Stir-Fry
Pesto Tofu Stir-Fry is a unique plant-based dinner that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
Crispy tofu cubes are tossed with sautéed veggies and finished with a vibrant basil pesto that clings to every bite.
The fragrance of garlic, lemon, and toasted pine nuts lingers in the air as the stir-fry comes together in minutes.
Serve it over rice or noodles for a quick, protein-rich meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Conclusion
These 23+ pesto dinner recipes aren’t just delicious—they’re a celebration of how one simple sauce can inspire so many meal ideas.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, pesto makes every dish feel special without adding stress.
Use these recipes as a guide, but feel free to customize them with your favorite veggies, proteins, or pasta types.
No matter how you spin it, pesto always brings the flavor—now it’s your turn to bring it to the table.
