Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy pesto pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food, blending rich flavors and a luscious texture that will have you twirling your fork in delight. This dish features perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a vibrant basil pesto cream sauce, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Sauté garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- 3. Combine sauce: Stir in heavy cream and basil pesto until well mixed and heated through.
- 4. Toss pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
- 5. Finish with cheese: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- 6. Serve immediately while warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg