22+ Healthy Pesto Dinner Recipes to Brighten Your Meal Plan

Looking to add a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to your dinners?

These 22+ pesto dinner recipes showcase the vibrant versatility of pesto, turning simple meals into unforgettable culinary experiences.

From creamy pastas and light salads to hearty baked dishes and quick skillet suppers, pesto elevates every plate with its rich blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan.

Whether you want a quick weeknight fix or an impressive dish for guests, this collection offers something for every palate and occasion.

22+ Healthy Pesto Dinner Recipes to Brighten Your Meal Plan

With these 22+ pesto dinner recipes, you have everything you need to transform ordinary dinners into vibrant, flavorful meals.

Pesto’s bright, herby notes bring freshness and depth to a wide range of dishes, making it easy to enjoy delicious food any night of the week.

Give a few of these recipes a try and discover just how effortlessly pesto can elevate your cooking routine.

Pesto Pasta with Chicken

This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breast with al dente pasta coated in a luscious basil pesto sauce that clings to every bite.

The fresh aroma of garlic, parmesan, and sweet basil fills the air, making each forkful bright, savory, and comforting.

Toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch, while a splash of lemon lifts the flavors for a refreshing finish.

It’s equally satisfying as a standalone main or paired with a simple side salad and warm bread.

Pesto Zucchini Noodles

Light, vibrant, and packed with garden-fresh flavor, this dish swaps traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles tossed in zesty pesto.

The result is a refreshing, low-carb dinner with a burst of herbaceous aroma and a satisfying tender-crisp texture.

Juicy cherry tomatoes and shaved parmesan take it to the next level with a balance of sweet, savory, and creamy notes.

Serve it warm or chilled—perfect for a summer meal or as a side to grilled meats.

Creamy Pesto Gnocchi

This dreamy bowl of creamy pesto gnocchi brings together pillowy soft gnocchi and a rich, velvety pesto cream sauce.

The combination of garlic, basil, and parmesan melts into warm cream, creating a sauce that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Pan-seared gnocchi adds a golden, slightly crisp exterior that contrasts beautifully with the silky texture.

It makes a decadent main dish or a luxurious side for roasted chicken or grilled vegetables.

Pesto Shrimp Pasta

Succulent shrimp meet fragrant basil pesto in this fast and flavorful pasta dish that’s as elegant as it is easy.

As the shrimp sizzle in olive oil and garlic, their sweetness pairs effortlessly with the herby, nutty depth of the pesto.

The noodles absorb every drop of the vibrant green sauce, offering a burst of freshness in each bite.

Ideal for a light dinner or a date-night meal with a glass of white wine.

Baked Pesto Salmon

This dish features flaky, buttery salmon topped with a generous layer of basil pesto that crisps slightly as it bakes.

The aroma is irresistible—fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon mingling with rich salmon oils for a clean yet decadent experience.

Each bite melts in your mouth, bursting with bold flavor and a touch of citrus brightness.

It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a simple quinoa salad for a complete meal.

Pesto Stuffed Shells

Jumbo pasta shells are filled with creamy ricotta and mozzarella, then smothered in basil pesto and baked until bubbly and golden.

The aroma of melted cheese and roasted garlic fills the kitchen as the dish emerges with a beautifully crisp top and gooey center.

The pesto adds a fragrant, earthy contrast to the rich, cheesy filling, making every bite deeply satisfying.

Serve it with garlic bread or a glass of red wine for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Pesto Chicken Bake

This easy oven-baked dinner layers juicy chicken breasts with rich basil pesto, ripe cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella.

As it bakes, the cheese bubbles and browns while the pesto infuses the chicken with garlicky, herb-filled flavor.

Each bite is juicy, savory, and perfectly balanced with creamy and tangy notes.

Serve it with roasted potatoes or a light pasta for a well-rounded, comforting meal.

Pesto Orzo Salad

Bright and refreshing, this pesto orzo salad combines tender pasta with crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta, and a generous toss of basil pesto.

It’s light yet satisfying, with a mix of textures and a bold herbaceous bite in every mouthful.

The lemony zing and creamy feta play beautifully against the fresh, earthy pesto.

Serve it chilled on its own or alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or falafel.

Pesto Flatbread

This crispy pesto flatbread starts with a golden, chewy crust slathered in basil pesto and topped with melty mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes.

The aroma of baked garlic, toasted pine nuts, and bubbling cheese is irresistible as it emerges from the oven.

It’s rich, aromatic, and full of contrast—cheesy, crispy, and herb-forward.

Cut it into slices for dinner, an appetizer, or even a creative twist on pizza night.

Pesto Quinoa Bowl

Nutty quinoa gets a bold upgrade in this bowl packed with grilled vegetables, creamy avocado, and a swirl of basil pesto.

The earthy grain soaks up the fragrant sauce, delivering a nourishing and flavor-packed meal with every spoonful.

Roasted zucchini, red peppers, and chickpeas add texture, warmth, and color.

It’s an ideal vegetarian dinner that’s both hearty and fresh, great for meal prep or a wholesome evening meal.

Pesto Tortellini

Cheese-stuffed tortellini coated in warm, silky pesto make for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s ready in minutes.

Each bite is a burst of creamy cheese, tender pasta, and vibrant basil flavor with hints of garlic and parmesan.

A sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pine nuts adds crunch and depth.

Perfect on its own or served with sautéed spinach or grilled sausage for a heartier twist.

Pesto Grilled Cheese

This grown-up grilled cheese melts layers of mozzarella and provolone between golden bread with a smear of basil pesto for extra flavor.

The crispy, buttery crust gives way to gooey cheese and bold, herbaceous notes in every bite.

It’s rich, satisfying, and brimming with nostalgic comfort and fresh Italian flair.

Serve it with tomato soup or a simple arugula salad for a complete and cozy dinner.

Pesto Veggie Stir Fry

This vibrant pesto veggie stir fry tosses crisp seasonal vegetables in a bright basil pesto sauce that coats every bite with fresh, herbal flavor.

The sizzling skillet releases an inviting aroma of garlic and pine nuts, while the vegetables remain tender-crisp for perfect texture contrast.

It’s a quick, wholesome dinner that shines on its own or alongside grilled chicken or tofu for added protein.

Pesto Pizza

Pesto pizza swaps out traditional tomato sauce for a fragrant basil pesto base, topped with melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh arugula.

The combination delivers a savory, herbaceous twist with a crispy crust and gooey cheese that satisfies every craving.

Baking releases a rich aroma of basil and garlic, making it a delightful meal for any pizza night.

Pesto Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts are filled with creamy ricotta and fresh basil pesto, then baked to tender perfection with a golden crust.

Each slice reveals a vibrant green filling bursting with rich, garlicky flavor and silky cheese.

This elegant yet easy dish pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies or a light salad.

Pesto Gnocchi

Soft gnocchi pillows are tossed in a fragrant basil pesto sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and fresh.

The pesto clings to each gnocchi piece, infusing it with garlicky, nutty notes and a touch of creamy parmesan.

Serve it as a quick weeknight dinner or a simple side to grilled seafood or chicken.

Pesto Chicken Wrap

Tender grilled chicken and crisp veggies come together in a soft wrap, generously smeared with bright, flavorful basil pesto.

The herbaceous pesto adds a fresh kick that elevates every bite with its bold, aromatic taste.

It’s a portable, delicious dinner perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings.

Pesto Salmon

This vibrant pesto salmon pairs tender, flaky fish with a bright, garlicky basil pesto that seeps into every bite.

Baked or grilled, the salmon stays moist while the pesto crisps slightly on top, releasing herbal, nutty aromas.

It’s an elegant yet easy dinner that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Pesto Meatballs

Juicy meatballs get an herby upgrade with a generous coating of fresh basil pesto, adding a burst of savory flavor and vibrant color.

The rich aroma of garlic, parmesan, and pine nuts mingles with the hearty scent of slow-cooked meat for an irresistible combo.

Serve them over pasta, in a sub, or alongside roasted veggies for a versatile and comforting meal.

Pesto Risotto

Creamy risotto is elevated with spoonfuls of aromatic basil pesto, delivering a luscious, vibrant green dish full of fresh flavor.

Each bite is silky and rich, with the pesto adding a perfect balance of garlic, nuts, and cheese.

This sophisticated yet simple dinner shines on its own or as a side to grilled seafood or chicken.

Pesto Flatbread Pizza

Crispy flatbread topped with gooey mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and a generous spread of pesto makes a quick, flavorful dinner.

The scent of toasted garlic and basil fills the kitchen as it bakes to golden perfection, offering a delightful contrast of crunchy and melty textures.

It’s perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests with minimal effort.

Pesto Veggie Pasta

This colorful pesto veggie pasta blends tender pasta with sautéed zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant basil pesto for a fresh, flavorful meal.

The pesto coats each noodle and vegetable in rich, garlicky goodness, making it light yet deeply satisfying.

Serve it warm or cold, making it ideal for both cozy dinners and picnic lunches.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, these 22+ pesto dinner recipes offer a variety of simple, tasty options that fit any schedule or skill level.

From quick pasta dishes to baked entrees and veggie-packed bowls, pesto adds a burst of flavor that turns everyday ingredients into something special.

Use this collection to plan your meals, impress your guests, or simply enjoy fresh, satisfying dinners made easy.