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Creamy Pesto Pasta

Creamy Pesto Pasta is a rich, comforting Italian-inspired dish made with tender pasta tossed in a silky basil pesto cream sauce. Fresh basil pesto brings bright herbal flavor, while cream and parmesan create a smooth, velvety texture that coats every bite. This easy recipe comes together in about 25 minutes and works perfectly for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or casual gatherings. You can enjoy it as a simple vegetarian pasta or customize it with chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or rigatoni
  • 1 cup basil pesto homemade or store-bought
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh basil for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander or pasta strainer
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Garlic Base
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Create the Cream Sauce
  1. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir gently. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes so the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
Add the Pesto
  1. Stir the basil pesto into the cream sauce. Mix well until the sauce turns smooth and evenly green.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Finish with Cheese
  1. Add grated parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Serve
  1. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 520kcal

Notes

  • Do not overheat pesto, as high heat can dull the fresh basil flavor.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and taste.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of pasta water to restore creaminess.
  • You can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, or spinach to turn this into a heartier meal.

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