This creamy pesto pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan, it’s packed with flavor yet comes together in minutes. Customize it with chicken, shrimp, or veggies for extra goodness. A comforting dish using simple ingredients you likely already have!
Recipe Ingredients:
- 4 ounces corkscrew pasta
- Kosher salt
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons jarred or freshly prepared pesto
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for garnish, if desired
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How To Make Pesto Pasta Recipe?
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions, until al dente.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the heavy cream, pesto, and butter until the butter melts. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the grated Parmesan.
- Combine and serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, stirring until fully coated. Top with diced tomato, fresh basil leaves, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package says. It will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all the creamy, pesto flavors.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan will give your sauce a richer, silkier texture.
- Warm the Sauce Gently: Avoid high heat when making the sauce. Too much heat can make the cream separate, so keep it on medium-low for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save a little pasta water. Adding a splash can help loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Add Toppings for Extra Flavor: Try toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon, or grilled chicken to make this dish even more delicious. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors!
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Refrigerate: Let the creamy pesto pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Transfer the pasta to a microwave-safe bowl and add a little milk or cream. Cover loosely and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 740
- Total Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 58.9mg
- Sodium: 221.7mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 90g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 26g
Check out More Recipes:
Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Description
This creamy pesto pasta is a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. With a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan, it’s packed with flavor yet comes together in minutes. Customize it with chicken, shrimp, or veggies for extra goodness. A comforting dish using simple ingredients you likely already have!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta for 1 to 2 minutes less than the package instructions, until al dente.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stir together the heavy cream, pesto, and butter until the butter melts. Bring to a gentle boil, then stir in the grated Parmesan.
- Combine and serve: Drain the pasta and add it to the sauce, stirring until fully coated. Top with diced tomato, fresh basil leaves, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package says. It will finish cooking in the sauce, soaking up all the creamy, pesto flavors.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan will give your sauce a richer, silkier texture.
- Warm the Sauce Gently: Avoid high heat when making the sauce. Too much heat can make the cream separate, so keep it on medium-low for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Reserve Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save a little pasta water. Adding a splash can help loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta perfectly.
- Add Toppings for Extra Flavor: Try toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon, or grilled chicken to make this dish even more delicious. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors!
Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe