Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
A quick and delicious creamy pesto pasta recipe that combines tender pasta with a rich and flavorful basil pesto sauce, enhanced by butter, milk, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 300 grams pasta (about 11 ounces, any type of choice)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup milk or cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Toppings
- Parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
- Toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- 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 and reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare the sauce: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the butter and melt it completely. Then add the basil pesto and whisk continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, releasing the aroma.
- Combine milk and pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly whisk in the milk or cream to blend it smoothly with the pesto and butter, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat every strand or piece. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta and generously top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. For extra texture and flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts if using. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use any type of pasta you like such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- For a richer sauce, use cream instead of milk.
- Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta better.
- Toasted pine nuts add lovely crunch and depth but are optional.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste after mixing the sauce to avoid over-seasoning.
Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe/
