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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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)
Directions
Step 1
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.
Step 2
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.
Step 3
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and combined.
Step 4
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5
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.
Step 6
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.
Step 7
Optional: Toss in cherry tomatoes for a burst of freshness or garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Step 8
Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on the side, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (798.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1771.1 |
| Total Fat 111.6g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 43.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 178.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2661.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 136.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 10.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 8.6g | |
| Protein 51.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 767.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 4.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 553.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories