This pasta with creamy pesto sauce is quick, easy, and flavorful. It's a perfect weeknight meal that comes together in 10 minutes (or 20 if you make your own homemade pesto).
This pasta is as easy as it gets. There are three ingredients: pesto, cream, and pasta (plus salt and pepper). If you want to make the pesto from scratch, that's awesome, but not necessary.
Pasta with creamy pesto sauce is the perfect weeknight meal after a long day at work. It's quick and easy, flavorful, and will be a total crowd pleaser.
Jump to:
Why You're Going to Love This Recipe
Quick Prep: Perfect for busy millennials, this recipe's speedy preparation suits those with tight schedules, giving you a delicious meal without a time crunch.
Rich Fusion of Flavors: The combo of pesto, cream, and parmesan creates a complex flavor profile.
Cheesy Goodness: A generous amount of parmesan cheese adds a creamy, cheesy texture that elevates the dish to a new level.
Comfort in Every Bite: This pasta provides the ultimate comfort food experience, offering a warm and satisfying feeling with each bite.
Ideal for Hectic Days: Whether juggling work or other responsibilities, this recipe is a go-to for those seeking a comforting and tasty meal without sacrificing time.
Ingredients
- Dried Pasta (8 oz): The hearty base of the dish, providing a carby element to the meal. If you've got some extra time and love on your hands, try homemade pasta.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Gives a subtle, fruity flavor while ensuring the pasta doesn't stick together and adds a touch of richness.
- Pesto (1 cup): Brings a burst of freshness and herby goodness, elevating the overall taste with its vibrant basil and garlic notes. For best results, make your pesto from scratch, but if you don't have the time, no worries. Store bought is great.
- Heavy Cream (⅔ cup): Creates a luscious, creamy texture, perfectly complementing the pesto and adding a decadent body to the sauce.
- Salt (¼ tsp) and Pepper (¼ tsp): Gotta do it. Brings out all the other flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Introduces a sharp and savory element, melting into the creamy sauce and providing an umami undertone.
How to Make Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce
Cook Pasta (8 oz): Follow package directions, boiling until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Heat Olive Oil (1 tbsp): In a large saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat to add a rich base flavor.
Add Pesto (1 cup): Stir in the pesto, allowing it to heat through. The vibrant herb and garlic notes will infuse the oil.
Pour in Heavy Cream (⅔ cup): Stir in the heavy cream, creating a creamy and luscious base for the sauce.
Season with Salt (¼ tsp) and Pepper (¼ tsp): Add salt and pepper, ensuring a well-balanced and seasoned sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat it thoroughly in the creamy pesto goodness.
Stir in Parmesan Cheese (½ cup): Introduce the parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and integrates into the velvety sauce.
Serve: Dish up the creamy pesto pasta, garnishing with extra parmesan if desired. Enjoy the satisfyingly indulgent experience!
Pro Tips and Tricks
Pasta Water Magic: If the sauce needs a bit of thinning or binding, don't hesitate to add some of the reserved pasta water. It's a secret weapon for achieving the perfect consistency.
Fresh Pesto vs. Store-Bought: While store-bought pesto is convenient, consider making your own for an extra burst of freshness. Experiment with adding pine nuts or a hint of lemon for a personal touch.
Cheese Choices: Play around with different types of parmesan or mix in some pecorino for a unique twist. The cheese choice can influence the overall flavor profile.
Herb Infusion: If you're feeling adventurous, infuse the olive oil with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme before adding the pesto. It adds an extra layer of aromatic goodness.
Garnish Creatively: Elevate the visual appeal by garnishing with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a touch of heat.
Reheating Perfection: To reheat leftovers without losing the creamy texture, add a splash of cream or a bit of milk while gently warming on the stove. It brings back that freshly made feel.
Upgrade the Pasta: Experiment with different pasta shapes to keep things exciting. Fusilli or orecchiette can catch the sauce, providing a delightful texture in every bite.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it's within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
Refrigeration Time: Consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture. Pasta tends to absorb sauce over time, so a quick refresh can revive its creamy glory.
Freezing: While pasta can be frozen, the texture of the cream-based sauce may change upon thawing. If freezing, consider reheating with a touch of cream for a smoother finish.
Reheating on the Stove: For best results, reheat on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to avoid sticking.
Microwave Method: If in a hurry, the microwave works too. Cover the dish to retain moisture and use short intervals, stirring between, to ensure even heating.
Refreshing Flavors: Add a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of fresh parmesan, or a handful of fresh herbs after reheating to refresh the flavors and elevate the dish.
Avoid Overheating: Be cautious not to overheat, as the cream-based sauce can separate. Gentle reheating and stirring help maintain the creamy texture.
Other Awesome Pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
Any pasta you love! Classics like spaghetti or penne are awesome, but feel free to go wild and pick your fave.
Think fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, olive oil, plus a secret weapon: heavy cream for that extra creamy goodness.
Absolutely! Warm it up before tossing it with your pasta - especially if you're adding cream to it. If you're just doing classic pesto pasta, you can just dump the pesto over your cooked pasta.
Give it some body by tossing in extra parmesan, pine nuts, or more basil. If it's still a bit thin, a gentle simmer works wonders. You can also add some reserve pasta water.
📖 Recipe
Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- ⅔ cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan. Add the pesto, stir, and allow it to warm up.
- Add the heavy cream. Stir, and warm through. Add the salt and pepper.
- Add the pasta, stir to combine. Add the parmesan cheese and stir.
- Serve, and garnish with more parmesan if desired.
Video
Nutrition
Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
Leave a Reply