Description
A simple and delicious creamy pesto pasta recipe perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This dish features tender pasta coated in a rich, herbaceous pesto cream sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook, stirring, until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a more complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, pesto pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, weeknight dinner