Description
Creamy Pesto Pasta is a rich and comforting Italian-inspired dish made with fresh basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and silky cream. This easy 30-minute pasta recipe delivers bold flavor and creamy texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Slowly drizzle in olive oil and blend until smooth.
- Warm heavy cream in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir pesto into the cream and mix well.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Serve warm.
Notes
Toast pine nuts carefully to enhance flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables for extra protein and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg