Description
Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick and comforting dish made with tender pasta coated in a rich, garlicky basil pesto cream sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
- Optional add-ins: grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, or spinach
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in pesto and cook for 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until combined.
- Add Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Add grilled chicken or veggies if desired.
Notes
- Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 70mg