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Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

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★★★★

3.8 from 42 reviews

This Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe is a quick and comforting dish that combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful basil pesto cream sauce. Made in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Topped with fresh Parmesan cheese and optional toasted pine nuts, this pasta offers a delightful balance of creamy, herby, and cheesy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 300 grams pasta of choice (about 11 ounces)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup milk or cream
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings

  • Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, to serve
  • Toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Melt Butter and Add Pesto: In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the basil pesto and whisk the mixture until it begins to bubble and is fragrant.
  3. Incorporate Milk and Combine: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly whisk in the milk or cream until fully incorporated into the sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
  4. Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy pesto pasta on plates. Top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optionally sprinkle with toasted pine nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

  • You can use any pasta variety you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
  • For a richer sauce, use cream instead of milk.
  • To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden brown and fragrant.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
  • Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor but jarred pesto works well in a pinch.

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, basil pesto pasta, quick pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, weeknight pasta dinner

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe/