Creamy Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the luscious flavors of this Creamy Pesto Pasta, a delightful twist on classic Italian comfort food. This easy-to-make recipe combines al dente pasta with a velvety sauce made from rich heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and fragrant basil pesto, creating a dish that’s both creamy and vibrant. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, black pepper, and a hint of optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, every bite is infused with bold, herbaceous notes. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Serve it garnished with fresh basil leaves for a stunning presentation, and watch it become an instant favorite at your dining table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 units garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 oz parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 units fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until melted.
Add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to brown the garlic.
Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring constantly until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Stir in the basil pesto, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue to cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss gently to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Transfer the creamy pesto pasta to serving plates or a large bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3162 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 249.6 g | 320% | |
| Saturated Fat | 99.3 g | 496% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 428 mg | 143% | |
| Sodium | 10009 mg | 435% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 129.5 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.1 g | ||
| Protein | 79.9 g | 160% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1859 mg | 143% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 1460 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
