Instant Pot Basil Pesto Spaghetti

Basil Pesto Spaghetti Recipe in Instant Pot with Stove Top instructions included| Learn how to make Pesto Pasta

Quick and easy one pot Vegetarian and Vegan friendly Basil Pesto Spaghetti tossed with simple Basil Pesto and cherry tomatoes for a light lunch or dinner.

About the Recipe

10 min Basil Pesto Spaghetti or Pasta Recipe, made in Instant Pot, is one of our favourite pasta dishes especially in summer time, when we have lots of fresh basil available.

If you do not want to spend time in your kitchen and want something exotic gourmet style, the this INSTANT POT BASIL SPAGHETII is a must try.

And who will say NO to pasta. Pasta dishes are a every age groups favourite. With so many variations in shapes, types and pasta sauces, there a no. of variations one can never get bored with pasta.

So, let's see my version of Basil Pesto Pasta or Pesto Spaghetti made in Instant Pot. Check the recipe card for the Stove Top version also, incase you do not have an IP.

Basil Pesto Spaghetti with homemade Basil Pesto

Pesto Pasta recipe that is so easy and quick to make and yes so delicious too. The recipe is so easy that even your teenage kids can make it by themselves with a few pointers from your side. All you need is a jar of pesto and your favourite pasta along with parmesan cheese which adds a umami flavour to it.

I love my simple homemade Pesto made with Walnuts, Cashews as Pine nuts are not always not available. Also, in homemade pesto we can adjust the amount of cheese, oil (yes you can make Pesto even with less oil).

Whenever I am able to source fresh Basil I make it with my HOMEMADE PESTO or it is also perfectly fine to use the store-bought ones. Checkout my Homemade Basil Pesto in the link below.

Ingredients to make Basil Pesto Spaghetti

Pasta - For the recipe here I have used Spaghetti. I also make it with Penne, Fusilli or Fettuccine. Pesto must stick to the pasta or spaghetti strands.

Basil Pesto(Pesto Genovese)- Use Homemade or Store bought. Check link for Homemade Pesto shared above in the post.

Cheese- Traditionally hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano(popular as Parmesan Cheese) or Pecorino Sardo is used.

Olive Oil- I recommend using a good quality olive oil to cook pasta in IP. You can also use any other good plant based oil.

Vegetables- Add any veggies of your choice like bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms . I like serving it with pan/oven roasted Cherry Tomatoes.

If adding veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms in pasta while cooking in Instant Pot, add add 1-2 tbsp oil and switch on the sauté mode for 5 mins.. Roast the veggies stirring continuously. Do not over cook, retain the crunch.  

Others-- Chilli Flakes. If using store bought pesto add salt carefully as it has more amount of salt in it. For homemade pesto.

How to cook Spaghetti

How to cook Spaghetti in Open Pot on Stove-top

Boil water in a big wide mouthed vessel. When the water starts boiling add pasta with little salt and 1-2 tsp oil . Cook till Al-dente(means cooked till a firm bite) as instructed on the box. Drain the water and keep pasta aside to use with the sauce.

Note- Do not throw away all the pasta water retain some to add in pasta if required.

Pasta dried out very quickly, adding pasta water minimizes the use of more oil and adds a bit of texture and glossy shine to it.

How to cook Perfect Non Sticky Spaghetti in Instant Pot

Cooking any type of pasta in IP takes half of the time minus one minute that it takes in open pot on stove top. This applies to any type of pasta cooked in Instant Pot.

To cook Pasta Al- dente, check out the cook time on the pasta box. If the stovetop timing says 10 mins. that means set the timer for 4 mins. Once the timer goes off, then do the QPR(Quick Pressure Release).

To cook soft pasta, add a minute more to the timing( that will be then 6 mins).

Another problem is the spaghetti sticking together when we cook it in IP. To avoid that, break spaghetti in half and spread it uniformly in IP. Add a little salt and water till the level of pasta.

Follow these tips and you will get perfect non sticky pasta spaghetti.

Stepwise pics to make Pesto Spaghetti

Storage Suggestions for leftover Pesto Spaghetti/Pesto Pasta

Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container and use it next morning. I never freeze it so, can't comment on it.

Do not reheat the leftover pasta as the pesto in pasta will turn black. Let it come to room temperature and finish it. If you are someone who doesn't like cold food and okay with slight black color of pesto then go ahead reheat it for min. in microwave or in a pan with 1-2 tbsp water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with any garlic bread or garlic knots. We even like it with toasted garlic naan bites. For Homemade Whole Wheat Tawa Naan recipe CLICK HERE

Few more Pasta Recipes from my blog

Penne Pasta in Marinara Sauce(stove top recipe)

Instant Pot Tikka Masala Pasta

One Pot Creamy Spinach Pasta

Masala Macaroni

Recipes with Basil Pesto and Fresh Basil

I love using pesto in various dishes. You can check these soft and creamy Basil Pesto Paneer Tikkas, Cafe style Sub Sandwich, home baked breads (Basil Pesto Bread) or as filling in Star Bread for Christmas.

My favourite summer coolers with fresh Basil Refreshing Fresh Basil Lemonade and Mango Basil Summer Cooler.

FAQ's

Recipe Card for Basil Pesto Spaghetti(Instant Pot and Stove top)

Share your feedback whenever you make this. I am sure you and your family will love it as much my family loved it.

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