Bold and Flavorful Pesto Recipes You Need to Try

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If you love the fresh, herbaceous punch of basil pesto, you’re in for a treat. These bold and flavorful recipes show off pesto in all its delicious versatility—from cozy soups and cheesy sandwiches to easy dinners and elegant seafood dishes.

Whether you’re cooking with chicken, shrimp, pasta, or even tuna, there’s a pesto-packed dish here for you. Dive into these must-try recipes and bring big flavor to your table.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

A close-up of creamy spaghetti pasta with pieces of cooked chicken, garnished with chopped parsley and a swirl of bold pesto for an extra burst of flavor. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

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This creamy one-pot pesto chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll want on repeat. Tender chicken simmers in a luscious pesto-infused cream sauce, creating a rich, comforting dish that comes together with minimal cleanup.

GET THIS RECIPE: Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Pesto Tuna Fish Patties

Three golden-brown, breaded tuna fish garnished with fresh parsley are arranged on a white plate, perfect for pairing with flavorful pesto. — Image Credit: It Is a Keeper

Pesto takes these tuna fish patties to the next level, giving them a bright, herby twist that makes them stand out. Crispy on the outside and packed with flavor inside, they’re great for quick lunches or appetizers.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Tuna Fish Patties

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Pesto Chicken Sandwich

A sliced chicken sandwich on ciabatta bread with bold pesto, arugula, tomato, and cheese on a white plate. — Image Credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop

This sandwich layers grilled chicken, tomato, mozzarella, and pesto between slices of crusty bread for a flavor-packed bite. It’s hearty, fresh, and perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual dinner.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Chicken Sandwich

Pesto Grilled Cheese

Three grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches with bold pesto are stacked on a white plate, held together with a toothpick. A glass of milk and a cloth napkin are in the background—perfect for fans of flavorful pesto recipes. — Image Credit: Beyond the Chicken Coop

A grown-up take on a childhood favorite, this pesto grilled cheese is crispy, melty, and bursting with bold basil flavor. The pesto adds a vibrant twist that pairs perfectly with gooey cheese.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Grilled Cheese

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Pesto Orzo Salad

A bowl of orzo pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and a wooden spoon—perfect for pairing with bold pesto or exploring new pesto recipes. — Image Credit: Piping Pot Curry

This vibrant orzo pasta salad is light, refreshing, and tossed in a delicious basil pesto dressing. It’s the perfect side dish for potlucks, barbecues, or an easy make-ahead lunch.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Orzo Salad

Gnocchi with Basil Pesto

A plate of gnocchi topped with bold pesto sauce, grated cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, with a fork on the side. — Image Credit: Piping Pot Curry

Soft, pillowy gnocchi gets coated in fresh basil pesto in this simple, satisfying meal. It’s comfort food made effortless—ready in minutes but full of gourmet flavor.

GET THIS RECIPE: Gnocchi with Basil Pesto

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Pesto and Red Pepper Italian Meatballs

A black skillet filled with meatballs in tomato sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and a swirl of bold pesto, sits on a wooden surface. — Image Credit: Tara Teaspoon

These meatballs are loaded with Italian flair thanks to a combination of pesto and roasted red peppers. They’re juicy, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or served with pasta.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto and Red Pepper Italian Meatballs

Pesto Pizza

Close-up of pizza slices with melted cheese and flavorful pesto sauce on a beige plate. — Image Credit: Sally’s Baking Addiction

Swap out traditional tomato sauce for vibrant pesto in this creative and mouthwatering pizza recipe. Topped with cheese and your favorite ingredients, it’s an easy way to upgrade pizza night.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Pizza

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Creamy Pesto Shrimp

Close-up of cooked shrimp topped with bold pesto sauce and grated cheese. — Image Credit: Sally’s Baking Addiction

This creamy pesto shrimp dish is rich, decadent, and bursting with flavor. Serve it over pasta or rice for an easy yet elegant dinner that comes together quickly.

GET THIS RECIPE: Creamy Pesto Shrimp

Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken

Oval white bowl with pasta, shredded chicken, herbs, broccoli, and a lemon wedge on a yellow cloth—this dish is finished with bold pesto for extra zest, with a fork and plate in the background. — Image Credit: The Magical Slow Cooker

Lemon and pesto make the perfect pair in this slow cooker chicken recipe. The chicken turns out tender and juicy with a zesty, herby finish that makes this dish bright and comforting.

GET THIS RECIPE: Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken

Pesto Chicken Soup

A bowl of creamy chicken and pesto soup topped with shredded cheese and a swirl of bold pesto, served with slices of bread on the side. — Image Credit: Gimme Some Oven

This quick and easy soup requires just five ingredients but delivers bold, satisfying flavor. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with herby goodness—perfect for busy weeknights.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Chicken Soup

Pesto White Bean Soup

A bowl of soup with white beans, chopped kale, onions, and red pepper flakes on top, finished with a swirl of bold pesto for extra flavor, set on a light surface. — Image Credit: I Heart Vegetables

Hearty and healthy, this white bean soup is full of protein and bright pesto flavor. It’s a cozy vegetarian option that’s both filling and fresh-tasting.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto White Bean Soup

Pesto Crusted Salmon

Close-up of baked salmon fillets with a herb and nut crust, topped with bold pesto and garnished with lemon slices, cherry tomatoes, and onion pieces. — Image Credit: Entirely Elizabeth

This baked pesto crusted salmon is simple yet stunning, with a golden, flavorful topping that enhances the tender fish. It’s a fast and elegant dinner with very little fuss.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Crusted Salmon

Pesto Chicken Salad

A bowl of creamy chicken salad mixed with green peas, black olives, chopped green onions, and diced chicken, seasoned with black pepper and a touch of bold pesto for extra flavor. Perfect for fans of flavorful pesto recipes. — Image Credit: Kalyn’s Kitchen

Turn plain chicken into something exciting with this easy pesto chicken salad. It’s perfect for meal prep or a light, satisfying lunch that’s full of herby flavor and texture.

GET THIS RECIPE: Pesto Chicken Salad

Salami Pesto Sandwiches

A close-up of a sandwich with salami, tomato, arugula, cheese, and a bold pesto spread on a crusty baguette. — Image Credit: Spiced Blog

Salty salami and vibrant pesto make this sandwich a must-try. It’s savory, satisfying, and layered with bold Italian-inspired flavor—perfect for picnics or a hearty lunch.

GET THIS RECIPE: Salami Pesto Sandwiches

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Meet Christina

Woman in red blouse slicing lemons in a kitchen setting.

Hi there, it’s nice to meet you! I’m a recipe developer, author, TV contributor and recipe hoarder that shares tried and true recipes anyone can make. It Is a Keeper started in 2010 as a hobby that quickly grew. Spending time in the kitchen has always made me happy – whether I’m making an old favorite that I know by heart or trying a new recipe. You can learn more about me here.