Description
A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring a homemade creamy pesto sauce that’s both herby and garlicky.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces Pasta (your choice) (Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or fettuccine work best.)
Creamy Pesto Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup Basil pesto, homemade or store-bought (Taste store-bought pesto first; adjust with lemon if flat.)
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream or half and half (For a lighter version, use half and half.)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated (Grate cheese finely for better melting.)
- 1 clove Garlic, minced (Optional if pesto is already garlicky.)
- to taste Salt and black pepper (Adjust seasoning as needed.)
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup Pasta water, reserved (Use to adjust sauce consistency.)
- 1 teaspoon Butter or olive oil (For a silky finish (optional).)
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the pasta in well-salted water until just tender. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Making the Sauce
- In a large pan on low heat, add the pesto and warm for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the cream and stir. Keep the heat low to ensure a creamy texture.
- Gradually stir in the grated parmesan until fully incorporated.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is glossy and smooth.
Finishing Touches
- Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss until well coated with the sauce.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian