Herby, garlicky, and full of flavor, pesto is the sauce that does it all. This list brings together a mix of comforting meals, light salads, bold sauces, and a few creative surprises. It’s all about adding punch to your plate with minimal effort. Whether it’s blended into pasta, layered onto chicken, or stirred into soup, these dishes show how one sauce can change everything.

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

Pesto Chicken and Vegetables. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This simple dish brings together tender chicken and roasted vegetables in one pan. A generous toss of pesto at the end ties everything together. It’s easy to prep and works with whatever veggies you have around. Serve over rice, pasta, or eat it on its own.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Chicken and Vegetables

Pesto Pasta Salad

Pesto Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

A chilled pasta salad gets a flavor boost from herby pesto and crunchy vegetables. It’s a great make-ahead option for lunches or picnics. The sauce soaks into the pasta as it sits, making every bite better than the last. Toss in mozzarella, olives, or grilled chicken to bulk it up.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Pasta Salad

Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This spicy take on pesto blends roasted jalapenos with fresh cilantro for a bold, smoky sauce. It’s perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or spooned over roasted vegetables. The heat adds a punch without being overwhelming. A good change of pace from the usual basil version.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Jalapeno Cilantro Pesto

Smoky Breakfast Pizza Recipe with Perfect Sunny Egg

A pizza topped with a sunny-side-up egg, mushrooms, and green pesto sauce on a wooden board.
Smoky Breakfast Pizza Recipe with Perfect Sunny Egg. Photo credit: Not Entirely Average.

A crispy flatbread base holds smoky meats, cheese, and a bright egg with a runny yolk. Swap in pesto instead of red sauce for a herby twist. The egg brings richness while the pesto adds depth. A fun and filling way to start the day.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Breakfast Pizza Recipe with Perfect Sunny Egg

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Photo credit: Flavorful eats.

This soup is loaded with tender gnocchi, shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy broth. A spoonful of pesto at the end gives it a bright, herby kick. Let it simmer all day and enjoy a comforting bowl by dinnertime. Serve with bread to soak up every drop.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Tuna Pesto Pasta

A plate of tuna pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes, a copper fork, and a pink linen next to a pan full of tuna pesto pasta.
Tuna Pesto Pasta. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Canned tuna gets an upgrade with pasta and a bold pesto sauce. It’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor. The pesto coats each piece of pasta and balances the richness of the fish. Great for a no-fuss dinner that doesn’t feel basic.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Pesto Pasta

Creamy Beef Ragu

Creamy Beef Ragu. Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

This slow-simmered ragu features tender beef in a rich tomato and cream sauce. A spoonful of pesto stirred in adds freshness and contrast. It’s great over wide pasta like pappardelle. A cozy option when you want something satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Beef Ragu

Pesto Butter

Pesto Butter. Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

Mix pesto with softened butter for a spread that goes with everything. It’s excellent melted on steak, tossed with pasta, or spread over bread. Store extra in the freezer so you always have some ready. Just a little bit adds huge flavor.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Butter

Pesto Bruschetta Chicken

Pesto Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Low Calorie Eating.

Chicken breasts are topped with a mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil, then finished with pesto. It’s juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare. Great served with rice or a simple side salad. An easy way to upgrade basic chicken.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Bruschetta Chicken

Pesto Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo salad with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and grated cheese on top.
Pesto Orzo Salad. Photo credit: Mama’s on a Budget .

Orzo makes a great base for this bright and simple salad. Tossed with pesto, lemon juice, and chopped vegetables, it’s light but flavorful. Works well for meal prep or as a side dish. Add chickpeas or grilled shrimp to make it more filling.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Orzo Salad

Pasta Portofino

Pasta Portofino. Photo credit: The Pasta Project.

This seafood pasta features shrimp, garlic, and herbs in a light sauce. A swirl of pesto brings brightness and depth. Serve with lemon wedges and crusty bread. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Portofino

Pesto Cauliflower

Pesto Cauliflower. Photo credit: Hip Hip Gourmet.

Cauliflower florets are roasted until golden and tossed with pesto while still hot. The sauce clings to every crevice and adds bold flavor. It’s an easy side dish that works with almost any main. You can also use it in grain bowls or wraps.
Get the Recipe: Pesto Cauliflower

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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