1. Main
  2. Articles
  3. Light Everyday Whisked Desserts
  4. Our Most-Fresh Basil Pesto Recipes of All Time That Punch Above Their Weight

Our Most-Fresh Basil Pesto Recipes of All Time That Punch Above Their Weight

Basil pesto transforms any meal into something bright and irresistible—these recipes prove it. If you’re a pesto lover, you’ll want to keep these on repeat for night-after-night flavor that never feels heavy.

Pin it Share it Send it Save it for later
Updated on Tue, 19 May 2026
Golden grilled chicken slices rest on Pesto Chicken Pasta, with glistening basil pesto sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes in a rustic bowl. Save
Golden grilled chicken slices rest on Pesto Chicken Pasta, with glistening basil pesto sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes in a rustic bowl. | dunewhisk.com
01 of 2

Pesto Chicken Pasta

Golden grilled chicken slices rest on Pesto Chicken Pasta, with glistening basil pesto sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes in a rustic bowl.
Golden grilled chicken slices rest on Pesto Chicken Pasta, with glistening basil pesto sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes in a rustic bowl. | dunewhisk.com

So quick and flavorful—the basil pesto and grilled chicken are just perfect together. I made this on a whim for dinner and everyone went back for seconds! —Lyndsey

View Recipe Save
02 of 2

Pesto Pea Gnocchi Skillet

A steaming bowl of vegetarian Pesto Pea Gnocchi Skillet, garnished with fresh basil and lemon zest.
A steaming bowl of vegetarian Pesto Pea Gnocchi Skillet, garnished with fresh basil and lemon zest. | dunewhisk.com

Creamy basil pesto coats pan-fried gnocchi and green peas in this one-pan dinner. It’s a bright, garden-fresh meal that comes together fast and will impress any vegetarian (or carnivore).

View Recipe Save