This Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick delight! With fresh basil, creamy sauce, and your favorite pasta, it’s ready in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy nights or a fancy treat!
I love how this dish comes together so fast. Just mix, stir, and enjoy! It feels like dining at a restaurant, but you get all the credit at home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used penne because it holds the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you like! Spaghetti, fusilli, or a gluten-free pasta works great too. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Basil: Fresh basil is key for flavor. If you can’t find it, use spinach or arugula for a different taste. Dried basil can also work, but use much less since it’s more concentrated.
Nuts: Pine nuts are traditional for pesto, but walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds are great alternatives if you’re looking for something different or more budget-friendly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds richness. If you’re vegan, try nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese instead to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or milk. If you’re dairy-free, coconut cream or a nut-based cream is a nice substitute!
How Do You Make a Creamy Pesto Sauce?
The secret to a creamy pesto is blending the right ingredients together smoothly. Start by pulsing your basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese in a food processor until finely chopped. Then, while it’s running, slowly pour in the olive oil to create a rich emulsion.
- Be mindful not to over-process; you want a bit of texture!
- When combining with pasta, use the reserved pasta water gradually. This helps adjust the sauce texture; it should be creamy but not too thick.
Don’t rush; letting the flavors meld is key! Enjoy this quick dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or additional basil, chopped for garnish
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for mild heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta takes about 10 minutes in total! You’ll spend about 8-10 minutes cooking the pasta, and the rest is all about blending up that yummy pesto and mixing everything together. Quick and super satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. Once it’s bubbling, add the penne pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before you drain the pasta. This water is pure magic for your sauce!
2. Make the Pesto:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a food processor or blender. Add in the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic cloves along with a pinch of salt. Pulse it all together until it’s finely chopped, but not completely smooth. You want some nice texture in your pesto!
3. Blend in the Olive Oil:
With the motor running on your processor, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Keep blending until you have a smooth, creamy pesto sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Combine Pasta and Pesto:
In a large mixing bowl, add the hot, drained pasta. Pour the freshly made pesto sauce over the pasta and mix well to coat every noodle. Next, add in the heavy cream and stir until it creates a lovely creamy texture. If it gets a bit too thick, don’t forget about that reserved pasta water! Add it a little at a time until you’re happy with the consistency.
5. Add Tomatoes:
Now, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. They’ll add a pop of freshness and color to your dish!
6. Season and Serve:
Give everything a good taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling spicy, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little kick. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or extra basil leaves on top.
Enjoy this delightful, creamy pesto pasta that’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough to impress! Enjoy every last bite!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using store-bought pesto is a great shortcut. Just mix in the heavy cream with the pre-made pesto to create that creamy texture. Adjust the amount to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the creamy sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Pine Nuts?
If pine nuts are hard to find or you have allergies, walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work wonderfully in pesto. Each choice will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so choose your favorite!
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make it vegan, substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based cream alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. You’ll still get a delicious creamy pesto pasta!
