Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy Pesto Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines the bright, herby flavors of basil pesto with a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple yet elegant meal, it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or your favorite
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water optional, for thinning sauce
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and pesto, whisking until combined and heated through.
- Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and variety.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Homemade pesto gives the best flavor but store-bought works great for convenience.
- Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator; reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.