Name: Creamy Pasta Pesto Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti); 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, pine nuts

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Creamy Pasta Pesto Sauce is the perfect combination of rich, herbaceous flavor and comforting creaminess. I love how this dish balances the freshness of basil pesto with a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It’s simple, fast, and always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quickly this creamy pesto pasta comes together—it’s ready in less than 30 minutes. The sauce is rich without being heavy, with the bold, garlicky notes of pesto mellowed out by cream and parmesan. It’s a versatile dish too—I can serve it on its own or pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or craving comfort food, this recipe always delivers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work great)
Basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Heavy cream
Grated parmesan cheese
Garlic (minced)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: lemon zest or juice for brightness
Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or pine nuts

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. I reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, letting it reduce slightly.
I stir in the pesto and parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
I toss in the cooked pasta, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
I season with salt, pepper, and a little lemon zest or juice for a fresh finish.
I serve it warm, topped with extra parmesan or a protein of choice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so it’s ready in just 25 minutes.

Variations

I like switching up the pasta shape depending on my mood—fusilli and rigatoni are great for catching the sauce. Sometimes I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk it up. For a nuttier flavor, I’ve tried using walnut or arugula pesto instead of traditional basil. If I want to keep it dairy-free, I use a plant-based cream and vegan pesto—it still turns out creamy and delicious.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or milk in a pan over low heat and stir until it’s warmed through and creamy again. The microwave works too—just cover the pasta and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between. I try to avoid freezing creamy pasta, as the texture of the sauce can change once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. I often use store-bought pesto when I’m short on time. I just pick a good-quality one made with real basil, parmesan, and olive oil.

How do I make it more saucy?

If I want a thinner sauce, I add some reserved pasta water while tossing the pasta with the sauce. It helps everything blend and cling better.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, as long as the pesto and parmesan are made without animal rennet. I usually check the label or use a vegetarian version if needed.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely. I’ve added grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu to turn it into a more filling meal.

What pasta works best with creamy pesto sauce?

I like using short pasta like penne or fusilli for a chunkier bite, but long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti work beautifully too. It really depends on what texture I’m in the mood for.

Conclusion

Creamy Pasta Pesto Sauce is one of my favorite go-to meals—quick, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a lot of effort, which makes it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Once I start making this version, it’s hard to go back to plain pesto pasta again.