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Creamy Pesto Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish coated in a creamy basil pesto sauce, perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to low, add heavy cream, and stir until warmed through.
  4. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, toast the garlic lightly before adding cream.
  • You can use light cream or half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, pasta with pesto, Italian pasta recipes, vegetarian pasta