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Creamy Pesto Pasta

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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.

  • Author: Sophia
  • 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

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add pesto and cook for 1–2 minutes until warm and fragrant.
  3. Slowly stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Adjust cream amount for desired richness.
  4. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to thin it.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
  7. 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.

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