Simple Creamy Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Simple Creamy Pesto Pasta—an easy-to-make yet luxurious dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety sauce made with rich basil pesto, heavy cream, and a hint of garlic, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and decadence. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty depth, while optional fresh cherry tomatoes and basil leaves provide vibrant color and a refreshing burst of flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes and customizable with your favorite pasta shape, this creamy pesto pasta is a versatile crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for lovers of quick Italian-inspired recipes, it’s a comforting, restaurant-worthy meal you can whip up in no time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams pasta (e.g., penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 100 grams basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 120 milliliters heavy cream
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 100 grams cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- 5 grams fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and combined.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors.
Optional: Toss in cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness or garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
442 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.7 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.8 g | 54% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 44 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 613 mg | 27% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.2 g | ||
| Protein | 12.8 g | 26% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 193 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 1.0 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 152 mg | 3% | |
*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.
