Creamy Pesto Pasta
Elegant yet easy, this comforting Creamy Pesto Pasta is the ultimate quick dinner or cozy date night dish. It comes together in less than 30 minutes, and can be customized however you like. Add mix-ins like chicken or summer tomatoes, serve it hot or cold or just eat it how it is - no matter how you make it, you won't be disappointed!
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Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Every summer, my garden overflows with basil - just brushing past it fills the air with that unmistakable sweet, peppery scent. (That is, until the Arizona heat fries it to a crisp.)
That aroma always takes me back to the summer I spent studying abroad in Italy, where I fell in love with simple, satisfying pasta dishes. This Creamy Pesto Pasta feels like the perfect mashup of all my favorite things: fresh basil from the garden, rich basil pesto, cozy weeknight comfort food and those long Italian dinners I still dream about.
It's fast, flavorful and endlessly adaptable - exactly the kind of dish I crave when I want something easy but special. Plus, this dish is great for sharing those memories with my kids and making new ones for a dinner party, date night or meal train dish.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
You'll quickly fall for this creamy pesto pasta recipe, and here's why:
- This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy date night.
- It's elegant but sooo easy. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
- A velvety mix of pesto and cream coats each strand of pasta for a rich, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
To make this creamy pesto pasta, you'll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Start with your favorite pasta shape - fettuccine, penne or linguine all work well. It can be store-bought or homemade pasta if you have the time!
You'll also need basil pesto (store-bought or homemade - I love this easy pesto recipe), a splash of heavy cream to add richness and grated Parmesan cheese for that salty, savory finish. That's it - just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients come together for a dish that feels special without any fuss.
This creamy pesto pasta is endlessly adaptable. Of course, it's also completely satisfying on its own, with nothing but a sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves on top. However you serve it, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Substitutions & Serving Suggestions
Looking for a twist? These variations make it even more versatile:
- For a heartier meal, toss in pan-seared chicken, grilled shrimp or roasted veggies.
- Want to make the most of summer produce? Stir in roasted cherry tomatoes, sweet corn or zucchini ribbons.
- Hot or cold options! It's delicious served warm straight from the stove, but just as tasty chilled as a pasta salad - perfect for picnics or make-ahead lunches.
Make It A Meal Train
When someone you know is going through a major life event, you may want to bring a meal to them or organize a meal train to show your support.
Here's how you can turn this Creamy Pesto Pasta into a meal train.
- Keep it flexible: Add chicken or veggies if you want to bulk it up a bit more.
- Include reheating instructions: Let them know it can be warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce. It tastes just as good cold, so it's a great option if they want something quick straight from the fridge.
- Pack it in something you don't want back: Be sure to bring this to your loved one in throw away containers. A 9x13 foil pan works well.
- Add a little something extra: Tuck in a small container of grated Parmesan, a handful of fresh basil or a simple side like a green salad or garlic bread.
Be sure to ask about allergies and best drop off times before bringing food over.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta until it's just al dente. Before you drain it, scoop out about half a cup of that pasta water and set it aside - it's liquid gold for the sauce.
- While the pasta's cooking, warm up the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it starts to simmer.
- Stir in the pesto and let it cook for a minute or two until everything's smooth and cozy. Then take it off the heat.
- Once your pasta's drained, toss it back in the pot. Pour in the creamy pesto sauce and give it a good mix, then stir in the Parmesan.
- Season it with a little salt and pepper, and stir in any mix-ins like chicken or cherry tomatoes. Serve it up right away with some fresh basil and extra Parmesan on top.
If the sauce feels a little thick, just splash in some of that reserved pasta water a bit at a time until it's silky and coats the noodles perfectly.
Tips for Success
- Save that pasta water. Please don't skip this step! A little starchy pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the noodles. It really does make a difference.
- Use fresh pesto when you can. Store-bought works great in a pinch, but homemade pesto really shines here, especially if you have basil growing in your garden. You can also make pesto with other greens like kale and arugula or carrot tops - or even with things like sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make it your own. This dish is super flexible. Add grilled chicken, shrimp or roasted veggies to bulk it up, or toss in seasonal ingredients like corn or zucchini for a fresh twist.
FAQ
No worries - it happens! While pasta water adds starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles, you can still save your dish. (Next time, just scoop out the pasta water right before draining so it's ready when you need it! I always put a measuring cup by my colander while I am prepping to make sure I don't forget!)
You have a few options. Add a splash of warm water, milk or even a little extra cream to loosen the sauce. It might not have the same silky texture, but it'll still taste delicious.
For extra creaminess and body, you can whisk together a small cornstarch slurry (about 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water) and stir it into the sauce while it's still warm. Just let it cook for a minute or two to thicken slightly. It's not quite the same as pasta water, but it works in a pinch!
Store any leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, so when you reheat it, add a splash of water, milk or cream to help loosen it up. It's great warm, but honestly, it tastes pretty delicious cold too - almost like a pesto pasta salad!
More Pasta Dishes
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta fettuccine, penne or linguine
- ½ cup reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 cups basil pesto store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Stir in the store-bought pesto and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the creamy pesto sauce and toss to coat. Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition
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