Creamy Pesto Pasta
A quick, 15-minute pasta dish coated in a creamy basil pesto sauce. Perfectly balanced, rich, and satisfying, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Equipment
- Large pot (for cooking pasta)
- Large pan (for cream sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 400 g penne pasta or preferred type
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 cup thickened cream heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 4 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ tsp cooking salt
- Fresh basil leaves optional garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese optional garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 400 g of penne pasta or your preferred variety. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente—firm to the bite but fully cooked. Once done, carefully drain the pasta using a colander, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
- Heat the Olive Oil: While the pasta is cooking, place a large pan over medium heat. Pour in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking. This will help release the flavor of the garlic in the next step and ensure a fragrant base for your creamy sauce.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add 2 crushed garlic cloves to the hot oil. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to let the garlic brown or burn, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste. The goal is to infuse the oil with a rich, aromatic flavor that will complement the creamy pesto sauce.
- Incorporate Cream and Milk: Reduce the heat slightly to medium-low and pour in 1 cup of thickened cream followed by ½ cup of milk. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the mixture becomes smooth and evenly blended. Allow the cream and milk to warm for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the mixture from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add Basil Pesto: Spoon in 4 tablespoons of basil pesto into the warm cream mixture. Stir continuously to evenly distribute the pesto, allowing it to melt fully into the cream and form a uniform, vibrant green sauce. The aroma of fresh basil will immediately fill your kitchen, signaling that your sauce is coming together beautifully.
- Season and Brighten: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and ¼ teaspoon of cooking salt to the sauce. The lemon juice adds a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the cream, while the salt enhances the natural flavors of the pasta and pesto. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that parmesan cheese added later will also contribute some saltiness.
- Simmer to Thicken: Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally as it thickens slightly, which usually takes 2–3 minutes. Be patient—this slow thickening ensures a silky, velvety texture that will coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the simmering pesto cream sauce. Using a wooden spoon or tongs, toss the pasta thoroughly, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the creamy pesto. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a small amount of the reserved pasta water while tossing to achieve a smooth, luscious consistency.
- Final Touches: Once the pasta is evenly coated and heated through, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or a large platter. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese for added flavor, color, and presentation. These finishing touches enhance both the visual appeal and the taste of the dish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the creamy pesto pasta immediately while hot, allowing the rich, aromatic sauce to shine. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad, garlic bread, or a light vegetable dish. Enjoy the perfect combination of creamy texture, herbaceous basil flavor, and satisfying comfort that makes it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta: While penne works perfectly for this creamy pesto, feel free to swap it with fusilli, farfalle, or even fresh pasta for a softer texture and quicker cooking time.
- Reserve pasta water: Keep some of the cooking water when draining the pasta. It’s perfect for thinning the sauce if it thickens too much, ensuring a silky, smooth consistency.
- Adjust creaminess: For a lighter version, reduce the cream and increase the milk slightly. This keeps the sauce creamy but lowers saturated fat content.
- Flavor balancing: The lemon juice brightens the rich cream sauce, but you can adjust to taste for a subtle tang or more vibrant zest.
- Garnish creatively: Fresh basil and grated parmesan add color, aroma, and flavor, but toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can elevate the dish further.
