By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on September 19, 2023 | Last Updated on November 8, 2023
Are you looking for an easy dinner option that’s sure to please? Look no further! This delicious pesto pasta from Costco is the perfect solution. It requires just a few pantry staples and can be ready in a few minutes. Plus, it goes well with almost any side dish or salad.
At its core, this is all about showcasing the delicious flavors of Costco. Whether it’s their selection of high-quality ingredients or their unbeatable prices, this dish proves that you can create something special with a handful of store-bought items.
Just keep reading and follow the step-by-step instructions to learn how to make this flavorful dish for your next dinner. Let’s get started!
What is Costco Pesto Pasta?
Costco Pesto Pasta is a delicious Italian-style meal made with basic ingredients found at your local Costco. It requires just a few pantry staples like pesto, cream, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Once you have all the ingredients in hand, this dish comes together in minutes! The combination of flavors makes this dish so satisfying. The pesto adds a rich and slightly bitter flavor to the pasta, while the cream rounds out the richness.
The cherry tomatoes add some sweetness while the Parmesan cheese provides a sharp flavor that ties everything together perfectly.
This dish is great for weeknight dinners as it can be whipped up in no time and requires very little effort. Serve it with a side of salad or roasted vegetables for a healthy and complete meal.
Why You’ll Love this Costco Pesto Pasta?
This Costco Pesto Pasta is a delicious and easy dinner option that is perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few pantry staples, you can throw together this dish in minutes.
The combination of flavors from the pesto sauce, cream, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a dish that is both flavorful and comforting. Plus, it goes well with almost any side dish or salad.
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The Ingredients
- Salt and pepper: This addition of salt and pepper will add flavor to the dish.
- Heavy cream: The heavy cream adds a creamy texture to the pasta and helps bind all of the ingredients together.
- Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and balance out the pesto’s slight bitterness.
- Penne pasta: Penne is an ideal choice for this recipe as the shape of the pasta helps it to hold onto the sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese provides a sharp flavor that complements the pesto and brings all the flavors together.
- Basil pesto: The star ingredient, basil pesto is full of flavor and can be found at most grocery stores or even in some Costco locations.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in the penne pasta.
- Cook it according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once done, drain and set aside.
Step 2
Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the pesto over low heat until it is warm.
- Add in the heavy cream and stir until combined.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Step 3
Add the Toppings
- Place the cooked pasta back into the pot it was boiled in.
- Pour over the pesto sauce and add in the cherry tomatoes.
- Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly covered in sauce.
Step 4
Serve and Enjoy!
- Transfer the pesto pasta to a serving bowl and top with Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For a vegan version, you can use vegan cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to add in other vegetables or proteins to make it even heartier.
- If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can also substitute it with basil oil or pesto sauce from a jar.
Nutrition Information
How to store Costco Pesto Pasta?
Storing your Costco Pesto Pasta is pretty straightforward. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Simply reheat it in a saucepan or microwave before serving again. If you prefer, you can also freeze your pesto pasta for up to three months.
To do this, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat according to the instructions above.
Variations
You can customize this dish to suit your personal preferences. Here are some suggestions:
- Swap out the penne for another type of pasta, such as farfalle or fettuccine.
- Add in some cooked shrimp for an extra protein boost.
- Throw in a handful of spinach or arugula to make it even healthier.
- Drizzle it with some olive oil and sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of added heat.
- If you’re looking to change up the flavor profile, try adding in different herbs like oregano or thyme.
Costco Pesto Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- pot
- Stirrer
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of luscious heavy cream, draping the pasta with a velvety and indulgent texture, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1/2 cup of vibrant basil pesto crafted from fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and Parmesan, bursting with the bright and herbaceous essence of basil.
- 1/2 pound penne pasta the quintessential choice for this dish with its tubular shape and ridges, perfect for capturing and holding onto the delectable sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste of salt to enhance the flavors and a dash of freshly ground pepper to provide a subtle hint of heat, ensuring the dish is perfectly seasoned to your personal preference.
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes halved of plump and juicy cherry tomatoes, halved to release their succulent juices, adding a burst of refreshing sweetness and a vibrant touch of color.
- 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese imparting a nutty and salty depth, enriching the dish with its sharp and savory notes.
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, as per instructions on the package. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, prepare the pesto sauce by heating it over low heat. Pour in some heavy cream and give it a good stir. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper, if required.
- Place the cooked pasta back into its original pot and pour over the pesto sauce. Add in some halved cherry tomatoes to complement the flavor of the pesto, then give everything a good mix until all the ingredients are evenly coated with sauce.
- Transfer the pesto pasta into a serving bowl and top with some fresh grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a vegan version, you can use vegan cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
- Feel free to add in other vegetables or proteins to make it even heartier.
- If you don’t have pesto on hand, you can also substitute it with basil oil or pesto sauce from a jar.
FAQs
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, this Costco Pesto Pasta is gluten-free, as long as you use a gluten-free pasta.
What can I serve it with?
This dish pairs well with almost any side of your choice! Try serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
Is it safe for kids to eat pasta with pesto sauce?
Yes, this dish is safe for kids to eat. However, you may want to leave out the Parmesan cheese as a topping if any of your children are dairy-free.
Wrapping Up
In this article, we discussed everything you need to know about Costco Pesto Pasta. This easy dish is the perfect meal for busy weeknights and can be customized to fit your personal preferences.
We also shared step-by-step instructions on how to make this delicious pasta dish as well as some variations and nutrition information. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner option, try whipping up this Costco Pesto Pasta. You won’t be disappointed!
Please share this article with your friends and family if you enjoyed it! Questions or comments? Leave them in the comment section below.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
