Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
This creamy pesto pasta recipe combines fresh basil pesto with a rich, silky cream sauce to create a comforting and flavorful dish. Made with fresh ingredients like basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and a touch of cream and butter, this pasta is perfect for a quick yet impressive meal that serves four.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pesto
- 3 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil + 2 tablespoons extra (for blending)
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Sauce and Pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 pound tagliatelle or pasta of choice
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running on high, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup olive oil through the spout. Stop to scrape down the sides with a spatula, then blend again while adding an additional 2 tablespoons olive oil. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Make Creamy Pesto Sauce: Heat a large skillet with high walls over medium heat. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, then add the prepared pesto and stir to combine. Add 3 tablespoons heavy cream and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Reduce heat to low to keep warm and let sauce gently simmer.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta into the skillet with the pesto cream sauce. Using tongs, toss the pasta gently to coat all strands evenly with sauce. Gradually add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water until the sauce achieves a silky and smooth consistency that clings to the pasta.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta and top with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Note #1: Fresh basil leaves are essential for vibrant flavor; avoid dried basil.
- Note #2: Toast pine nuts lightly beforehand for enhanced nuttiness.
- Note #3: Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce and improve texture.
- Note #5: To store pesto, place in an airtight container, cover with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, basil pesto recipe, tagliatelle pesto, easy pasta sauce, creamy Italian pasta
Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe/