If you’re craving a quick and delicious dinner that’s loaded with flavor, this Creamy Pesto Pasta is just what you need. The pesto sauce is creamy and comforting, and the best part? You can easily customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some roasted broccoli for extra texture and nutrition. Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without the hassle.
Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe:
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Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this is the perfect meal for busy nights when you need something flavorful but easy.
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Rich & Creamy: The combination of pesto and heavy cream creates a sauce that’s both creamy and full of fresh basil flavor.
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Versatile: You can easily swap in protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or add some veggies like broccoli for added texture.
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One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup since everything is made in one pan!
Ingredients:
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1 cup Basic Basil Pesto (or store-bought pesto)
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 lb favorite pasta, cooked (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne work great)
What You Need:
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A large skillet or sauté pan
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A pot for cooking pasta
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A spoon or spatula for stirring
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Heat the olive oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. -
Warm the pesto:
Add the pesto to the skillet, stirring it often as it warms up. Let it cook for a minute or two until it’s slightly bubbly and fragrant. -
Add the cream:
Slowly stream in the heavy cream while stirring. Continue to stir until the cream is fully incorporated into the pesto. You can add a little more cream if you like a richer sauce! -
Adjust the sauce:
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. This will also help the sauce cling to the pasta better. -
Season:
Turn the heat down to low and taste the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. -
Toss the pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy pesto sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated. -
Serve:
Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil, or even a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat!
Why I Love This Recipe:
This Creamy Pesto Pasta is a game-changer for pasta lovers! The pesto adds a burst of herby flavor, while the cream creates a smooth, luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your taste. Plus, you can throw in some grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, making it a well-rounded meal that’s ready in no time!
Variations to Try:
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Protein Add-ins: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a boost of protein. You can also try adding some sausage for a savory twist!
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Veggie Boost: Toss in some roasted broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
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Cheese Lovers: For an extra creamy dish, stir in some cream cheese, or top the pasta with a generous amount of Parmesan or mozzarella.
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Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha on top for a spicy kick!
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative. Also, make sure to use dairy-free pesto.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
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Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly! Just make sure it’s a high-quality brand for the best flavor. -
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and you’re good to go. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
This pasta is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just reheat it in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess. -
Can I freeze this?
The sauce can be frozen, but the cream might slightly change texture upon reheating. If you plan to freeze, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. -
What other pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
You can use any type of pasta you prefer! Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work wonderfully with this creamy pesto sauce.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Pesto Pasta is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its rich, creamy pesto sauce and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you keep it simple or add protein and veggies, this dish will never disappoint. Enjoy!
Creamy Pesto Pasta
A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring fresh basil pesto blended with cream for a luscious, herby sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly—ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne), cooked
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add pesto and cook for 1–2 minutes until warm and fragrant.
- Slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Adjust cream amount for desired richness.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to thin it.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Serve immediately with grated Parmesan, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein.
- Toss in roasted broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
