Go Back

Creamy Pesto Pasta

Enjoy the Creamy Pesto Pasta as a satisfying and flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests. The vibrant and creamy pesto sauce paired with perfectly cooked pasta will make this a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Serving Size 4

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces 340g pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves packed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
  • In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic cloves. Pulse the ingredients until they form a coarse paste.
  • With the food processor still running, gradually add the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pesto sauce and the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir the sauce until it is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss the pasta until it is evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Optional step: For added flavor and freshness, you can toss in some halved cherry tomatoes or extra grated Parmesan cheese at this stage.
  • Serve the Creamy Pesto Pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves on top if desired.

Notes

  • For a nut-free version, you can replace the pine nuts or walnuts with sunflower seeds or omit them entirely.
  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to make it a heartier meal.
  • Substitute part of the basil with baby spinach or arugula for a slightly different flavor profile.