Description
A rich and comforting creamy pesto pasta made with tender pasta tossed in a silky basil pesto cream sauce, finished with freshly grated parmesan and a touch of garlic. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta such as penne or fettuccine
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) basil pesto
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves (about 6 grams), minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 gram) freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons (4 grams) fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium high heat. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons of pasta water and drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the basil pesto and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Add a little reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the remaining parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully combined and silky.
- Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not boil the pesto after adding it to preserve its fresh flavor and bright color.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for smoother melting and better taste.
- Add a small squeeze of lemon juice if you want extra brightness.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, easy pasta dinner, basil pesto pasta, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick weeknight meal