Why make this recipe
Creamy Pesto Pasta is a delightful dish that is perfect for any meal. It combines the fresh flavors of pesto with the richness of cream, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. Plus, it’s versatile— you can use any pasta shape you like!
How to make Creamy Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any type or shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Directions:
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, add the olive oil, pesto, cream, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. If the sauce gets too thick, add more pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined, and enjoy!
How to serve Creamy Pesto Pasta
Creamy Pesto Pasta is best served immediately after cooking. You can plate it up and garnish with extra pesto or freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. A side salad and some crusty bread make for a lovely meal alongside this creamy dish.
How to store Creamy Pesto Pasta
If you have leftovers, you can store Creamy Pesto Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or more cream to help loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Tips to make Creamy Pesto Pasta
- Use homemade pesto for the freshest flavor.
- Adjust the cream to suit your taste; less cream gives a lighter sauce.
- Don’t forget to save some pasta water, which helps create a silky sauce.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or veggies for extra protein and nutrition.
Variation
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. You can also try adding sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a different twist.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works fine! Just choose a good quality brand for the best flavor.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure that your pesto is made without cheese if you want it to be dairy-free.
Creamy Pesto Pasta
A delightful creamy pasta dish featuring fresh pesto and rich cream, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (any type or shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
- In a large skillet, add the olive oil, pesto, cream, and ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Add the cooked pasta and fresh lemon juice to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined, and enjoy!
Notes
Serve immediately for best flavor. Can be garnished with extra pesto or parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
