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Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

This Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe features perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a luscious, buttery basil pesto sauce enriched with milk or cream for a smooth texture. Garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and optional toasted pine nuts, it’s a quick, comforting meal ideal for any night of the week.

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

To Serve

  • Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare the sauce base: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the basil pesto and whisk it continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, releasing the aromatic flavors of the pesto.
  3. Add milk or cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the milk or cream until fully incorporated, creating a creamy, smooth sauce base.
  4. Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Plate and garnish: Serve the creamy pesto pasta on plates, topping with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and optional toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • To toast pine nuts, gently heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • If you prefer a richer sauce, use cream instead of milk.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan basil pesto.
  • Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting sauce consistency without diluting flavor.

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, basil pesto pasta, easy pesto recipe, quick pasta dinner, vegetarian pasta

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