Indulge in the goodness of this Creamy pesto pasta-ideal for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s a perfect blend of creaminess, herby freshness, savory goodness, and downright deliciousness.
Feel free to take the homemade route with your pesto or opt for the convenience of store-bought. Personally, I went with the latter for a quick and hassle-free meal prep. There’s something about pasta cooked al dente that adds that authentic Italian touch, making each bite a flavorful experience.
As you savor each forkful, you’ll find yourself transported to a cozy restaurant setting. The best part? Despite the restaurant-worthy taste, this delightful dish only demanded 30 minutes of your time.
Table of Contents
Why this recipe work
- Use leftover pasta- his recipe is a winner if you’ve got some noodles hanging around that need a delicious purpose.
- Time- This entire pasta delight can be on your table in just 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly- his recipe won’t burn a hole in your pocket and can easily satisfy a hungry family of 4-5!
- Creamy- This dish is a symphony of smooth textures infused with delightful herby and savory flavors.
- Simple- With basic ingredients you likely already have and can easily grab at any grocery store, this recipe is a no-fuss delight.
Tools for this recipe
Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe Video:
Creamy Pesto Pasta Ingredients and Instructions:
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces of your preferred pasta
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup of pine nuts
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to your liking
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for a beautiful garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
Boil a pot of water seasoned with salt. Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, following the package instructions. After cooking, drain the pasta and put it to the side.
Step 2: Prepare the Pesto
In a food processor, blend together fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped. While the processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until a velvety pesto sauce forms. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to match your personal flavor preferences.
Step 3: Combine Pesto and Cream
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in the vibrant pesto sauce and add the heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to create a luscious creamy pesto base.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Tomatoes
Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the creamy pesto goodness. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes gently soften.
Step 5: Finish with Pecorino Romano:
Sprinkle the grated Pecorino Romano cheese over the pasta and delicately toss until the cheese melts, coating the pasta in a beautiful harmony of flavors.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate the creamy pesto pasta, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves. The vibrant green and red colors not only please the eyes but also set the stage for a delightful feast.
Step 7: Enjoy
Your handcrafted creamy pesto pasta is now ready to be savored. Treat yourself to the rich flavors of this dish and think about pairing it with a slice of crusty bread or a refreshing green salad for a truly satisfying meal.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Nutrition Facts:
| Serving Size: | 1 serving |
| Amount Per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 600 |
| Total Fat | 45g |
| – Saturated Fat | 15g |
| – Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| – Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 12g |
| Vitamin A | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 15% |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Creamy Pesto Pasta Health Benefits
- Basil’s Bounty: Fresh basil provides not just aromatic delight but also essential nutrients like vitamins A and C.
- Omega-3 Rich Pine Nuts: Pine nuts contribute healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, promoting heart health.
- Cheesy Calcium Kick: Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheeses offer a calcium boost for strong bones.
- Heart-Healthy Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil brings monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health.
- Tomato Tang: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Creamy Elegance: Heavy cream not only enhances creaminess but also provides a source of dairy goodness.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Storage Instructions:
1. Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Once you’ve enjoyed your creamy pesto pasta, store any remaining portions in an airtight container.
- Place the container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 2-3 days.
2. Freezing (Optional for Extended Storage):
- If you plan to save it for a longer period, consider freezing.
- Transfer the pasta into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
- Simply slap a date on the container, pop it in the freezer, and enjoy the goodness within the next 1-2 months.
- To enjoy later, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Creamy Pesto Pasta Reheat Instructions:
Revive the flavors of your creamy pesto pasta with these simple reheating steps:
- Microwave: Place a serving of pasta on a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating. This usually takes 1-2 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage.
- Stovetop: For a stovetop method, warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Stir continuously until the pasta is heated through.
- Oven (Optional): If reheating a larger batch, preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Check periodically to prevent overcooking.
Reuse Instructions:
Transform your leftover creamy pesto pasta into a delightful variation for another meal:
- Pesto Pasta Salad: Toss the chilled pasta with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing pasta salad.
- Pesto Alfredo Pizza: Spread the creamy pasta as a unique pizza topping or mix it into Alfredo sauce for a flavorful pizza base.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the pasta as a filling for bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
Expert Tips
- Infuse your pasta with flavor by cooking it in salted water—don’t be shy with the salt, go for a generous sprinkle in the boiling water.
- Keep that pasta perfection intact by cooking it to al dente. No one likes a soggy situation, and this step ensures your pasta dish stays fresh and delicious.
- Once it’s cooked to perfection, give your pasta a chilly rinse. This little move guarantees your pasta remains al dente and won’t continue to cook.
- Elevate your dish with fresh ingredients! Using the good stuff ensures your creation bursts with flavor.
- Never forget to stash away a cup of pasta water when you’re cooking. If your sauce needs a tweak—whether it’s too thick or in need of a boost—adding some starchy pasta water will work wonders, making your sauce creamy and smooth.
- Get creative with add-ins! Whether it’s cooked broccoli, chicken, fresh spinach, basil, green beans, cherry tomatoes, shrimp—take your pick and personalize your pasta perfection.
- Transform this dish into a crowd-pleaser by tossing in some cooked chicken—hello, chicken pesto pasta. It’s a flavor explosion everyone will adore.
- Planning on reheating? If the sauce seems a tad too thick, give it some breathing room by adding a splash or two of milk or water. Your reheated pasta will thank you for the refresh.
FAQ’s
Q. What is pesto cream sauce made of?
Creating pesto cream is a breeze. All you need are some good vibes in the form of pesto (whether it’s fresh or store-bought), a dash of heavy cream, a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese, a pinch of salt and pepper, a dollop of half and half, a hint of garlic, and just a touch of chili cloves. That’s the secret recipe for a deliciously simple pesto cream sauce.
Q. What pasta kind should I use for this recipe?
We whipped up this pasta dish using penne, but the beauty of it is that any pasta variety will play nice with the flavors. For an extra dash of perfection, aim for a short pasta—it tends to work like magic for the best results.
Q. How do you thicken creamy pesto sauce?
For a foolproof way to add some thickness and creaminess to your pesto or pasta sauce, here’s a simple trick: create a slurry using cornstarch and water. Just blend 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of milk or water, then gently incorporate it into the sauce. Watch the magic unfold as your sauce thickens up and becomes delightfully creamy.
Q. How to make pesto sauce better?
Elevate the flavor game by tossing in your top-notch spices—think Italian seasoning, thyme, parsley, basil, and oregano. And here’s a golden rule: never skimp on the parmesan! Because, let’s be honest, a bit more parmesan can turn anything into a taste sensation.
Q. How do I make a creamy sauce less watery?
For a less watery sauce, stick to the heavy cream—don’t go trading it for milk. And whatever you do, don’t skip the parmesan! It’s the heavy cream and parmesan tag team that guarantees a sauce so creamy, you won’t find a hint of watery business.
