Creamy Dreamy Pesto Pasta: An Easy Recipe for Weeknight Dinners

Pesto pasta is a classic dish, loved for its vibrant flavor and simplicity. This recipe elevates the basic pesto pasta by adding a touch of creaminess and a few extra ingredients to create a truly unforgettable meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this creamy pesto pasta is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Pasta

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh pesto, creamy sauce, and optional toppings creates a symphony of flavors.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of pasta, vegetables, and protein.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A dish that everyone, from kids to adults, will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or rotini all work well).
• Pesto: 1 cup of fresh or store-bought pesto. For the best flavor, homemade pesto is highly recommended (recipe included below!).
• Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup heavy cream, this will add richness and luxuriousness to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is the gold standard, but a good quality Parmesan works well too.
• Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Toppings: Cherry tomatoes (halved), sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), grilled chicken or shrimp, pine nuts, red pepper flakes.

Homemade Pesto Recipe (Optional)

While store-bought pesto is convenient, making your own pesto at home is surprisingly easy and significantly enhances the flavor of the dish. Here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients for Homemade Pesto:

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more as needed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for Homemade Pesto:

1. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic.
3. Process: Pulse the mixture until finely chopped.
4. Add Olive Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto forms a smooth paste. You may need to add more olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
5. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Store: Store the pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before storing.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Pesto Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Cream and Pesto: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and pesto. Gently heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until heated through. Do not boil.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the pesto cream sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Add Parmesan Cheese: Stir in the Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that both the pesto and Parmesan cheese are salty, so taste before adding more salt.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and your choice of optional toppings.

Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Pasta

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh basil for homemade pesto, good quality Parmesan cheese, and a flavorful olive oil.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold the sauce well. Cook the pasta al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy and emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Boil the Cream: Boiling the cream can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat low and gently heat the cream and pesto together.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce it.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remember that the pesto and Parmesan cheese are salty, so you may not need to add much salt.
• Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to customize the dish to your liking. Cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken or shrimp, pine nuts, and red pepper flakes are all great options.

Variations and Additions

One of the best things about pesto pasta is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize the dish to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrients and flavor. Sautéed spinach or kale also works well.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu are all great additions to pesto pasta.
• Use Different Types of Pasta: Experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favorite. Penne, fusilli, rotini, and farfalle are all good options. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavor of the dish.
• Try Different Pesto Variations: While basil pesto is the most common, you can also try making pesto with other greens like kale, spinach, or arugula.
• Add Cheese: In addition to Parmesan cheese, you can also add other cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, or goat cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy pesto pasta can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As a Main Course: Serve with a side salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
• For Lunch: Pack leftovers for a delicious and satisfying lunch.
• Potlucks and Parties: Pesto pasta is a great dish to bring to potlucks and parties. It’s easy to make ahead of time and can be served at room temperature.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the pesto pasta ahead of time, but the pasta will absorb the sauce as it sits, so it’s best to cook the pasta al dente and add a little extra pasta water when reheating. You can store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a little more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the pasta.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may become a bit dry as it sits, so you may need to add a little water or olive oil when reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 per serving
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?

A: Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. However, homemade pesto will have a fresher and more vibrant flavor.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using vegan pesto (made with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese) and plant-based cream.

Q: Can I freeze pesto pasta?

A: Freezing cooked pasta is not recommended, as the texture can change and become mushy. However, you can freeze the pesto sauce separately. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Q: What is the best type of pasta to use?

A: Any type of pasta will work well, but long, thin pasta like spaghetti or linguine is particularly good for coating with the sauce. Shorter shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini also work well.

Q: How do I prevent the pesto from turning brown?

A: To prevent pesto from browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before storing it in the refrigerator. You can also blanch the basil leaves in boiling water for a few seconds before making the pesto.

Enjoy Your Creamy Pesto Pasta!

This creamy pesto pasta recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to deliver. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to create your own unique version. Bon appétit!