Creamy Dreamy Pesto Pasta: Easy Homemade Pesto Cream Sauce Recipes

Pesto cream sauce. Just the name evokes a sense of culinary indulgence. It’s a simple yet elegant sauce that transforms ordinary pasta dishes into something truly special. The bright, herbaceous flavor of pesto perfectly complements the richness of cream, creating a symphony of taste and texture that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a sophisticated dish to impress guests, pesto cream sauce is your answer. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about making the perfect pesto cream sauce, from classic recipes to exciting variations.

What is Pesto Cream Sauce?

At its core, pesto cream sauce is a blend of traditional pesto, heavy cream, and often a touch of pasta water. The pesto, typically made with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, provides the vibrant, savory base. The cream adds a luxurious smoothness and mellows out the intensity of the pesto, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The pasta water, starchy and salty, helps to emulsify the sauce and bind it to the pasta.

Why You’ll Love Pesto Cream Sauce

• Quick and Easy: Pesto cream sauce comes together in minutes, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights.
• Versatile: It pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes, vegetables, and proteins.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in pesto creates an irresistible flavor.
• Impressive: Despite its simplicity, pesto cream sauce feels elegant and sophisticated, perfect for entertaining.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

The Basic Pesto Cream Sauce Recipe

This recipe provides a foundation for countless variations. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and techniques to create your signature pesto cream sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 pound pasta (such as spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)

Instructions:

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 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Make the pesto: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped.
3. Add olive oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until a smooth paste forms. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine pesto and cream: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the pesto and heavy cream. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is warmed through. Do not boil.
5. Add pasta water: Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help emulsify the sauce and make it cling to the pasta.
6. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat thoroughly.
7. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Pesto Cream Sauce

• Use fresh basil: The quality of your basil directly impacts the flavor of the pesto. Choose vibrant green leaves that are free from blemishes.
• Toast the pine nuts: Toasting pine nuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds a pleasant texture to the pesto. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Watch them carefully, as they burn easily.
• Don’t overcook the cream: Overheating the cream can cause it to separate or curdle. Heat it gently over medium-low heat, stirring constantly.
• Use pasta water: The starchy pasta water is essential for creating a smooth and emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
• Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more Parmesan cheese, salt, or pepper to suit your taste preferences.
• Fresh is best: For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly into the sauce.

Variations and Additions to Pesto Cream Sauce

The beauty of pesto cream sauce lies in its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize the recipe and make it your own:

Protein Additions:

• Grilled Chicken: Sliced grilled chicken breast adds a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
• Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp pairs perfectly with the bright flavors of pesto and cream.
• Salmon: Flaked grilled or baked salmon adds a rich and flavorful touch.
• Sausage: Italian sausage, browned and crumbled, adds a savory and spicy kick.
• Prosciutto: Crispy prosciutto adds a salty and umami-rich element to the dish.

Vegetable Additions:

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Spinach: Wilted spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a tender and slightly sweet element.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy and savory flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chopped sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
• Artichoke Hearts: Quartered artichoke hearts add a briny and slightly tangy flavor.
• Peas: Frozen peas, thawed and added at the end, add a pop of sweetness and color.
• Zucchini: Diced and sautéed zucchini adds a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

Cheese Variations:

• Goat Cheese: Crumbled goat cheese adds a tangy and creamy element.
• Ricotta Cheese: Dollops of ricotta cheese add a light and creamy texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces, adds a milky and slightly sweet flavor.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese, similar to Parmesan but sharper and saltier, adds a bold flavor.

Spice and Herb Variations:

• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat.
• Lemon Zest: Lemon zest brightens the flavor and adds a citrusy aroma.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, or thyme add additional layers of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: A dash of garlic powder intensifies the garlic flavor.
• Onion Powder: A dash of onion powder adds a subtle savory note.

Pesto Variations:

While basil pesto is the classic choice, you can experiment with other types of pesto to create unique flavor combinations:

• Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto: Made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto adds a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Arugula Pesto: Made with arugula, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto adds a peppery and slightly bitter flavor.
• Kale Pesto: Made with kale, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto is a healthy and flavorful alternative to basil pesto.
• Mint Pesto: Made with mint, almonds, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto adds a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor.
• Parsley Pesto: Made with parsley, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, this pesto is a milder and more subtle alternative to basil pesto.

Vegan Pesto Cream Sauce

It’s entirely possible to create a delicious vegan version of pesto cream sauce. Here’s how:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts, toasted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup vegan heavy cream (such as cashew cream, oat cream, or soy cream)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 1 pound pasta

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: As in the basic recipe.
2. Make the vegan pesto: Combine basil, nuts, garlic, and nutritional yeast in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add olive oil while processing until smooth. Season.
3. Combine pesto and vegan cream: In a skillet, gently heat vegan cream. Add the vegan pesto.
4. Add pasta water: Stir in pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
5. Combine with pasta: Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
6. Serve: Garnish as desired.

Serving Suggestions for Pesto Cream Sauce

• Pasta: Pesto cream sauce is most commonly served with pasta. It pairs well with long, thin shapes like spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine, as well as shorter shapes like penne, rigatoni, and fusilli.
• Gnocchi: Toss pesto cream sauce with gnocchi for a comforting and flavorful meal.
• Pizza: Use pesto cream sauce as a base for pizza, topped with your favorite vegetables and protein.
• Sandwiches: Spread pesto cream sauce on sandwiches or wraps for a boost of flavor.
• Dips: Serve pesto cream sauce as a dip for vegetables, crackers, or bread.
• Grilled Meats: Spoon pesto cream sauce over grilled chicken, steak, or fish for added flavor and moisture.

Storing Pesto Cream Sauce

Pesto cream sauce is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to thin the sauce. Note that the sauce may thicken slightly as it cools.

Pesto itself can be frozen for longer storage. Freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Once frozen, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag or container. Frozen pesto will keep for up to 3 months.

Troubleshooting Pesto Cream Sauce

• Sauce is too thick: Add more pasta water or cream to thin the sauce.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce over low heat to reduce it slightly.
• Sauce is curdled: This can happen if the cream is overheated. To prevent curdling, heat the cream gently over medium-low heat and avoid boiling. If the sauce does curdle, try whisking in a tablespoon of cold water or cream to help bring it back together.
• Pesto is bitter: This can be caused by using old or bruised basil leaves. Be sure to use fresh, high-quality basil. You can also try adding a pinch of sugar to the pesto to help balance the bitterness.
• Sauce is bland: Add more Parmesan cheese, salt, or pepper to taste. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.

Health Benefits of Pesto

While pesto cream sauce is undeniably decadent, the pesto itself offers some nutritional benefits:

• Basil: Basil is a good source of vitamins A, K, and C, as well as antioxidants.
• Pine Nuts: Pine nuts are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc.
• Garlic: Garlic has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese is a good source of calcium and protein.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

Of course, the addition of heavy cream does increase the calorie and fat content of the sauce. To make a healthier version, you can use light cream or half-and-half, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Conclusion

Pesto cream sauce is a culinary gem that deserves a place in every home cook’s repertoire. Its simplicity, versatility, and incredible flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with different variations, you’re sure to create a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to be transported to a world of creamy, dreamy pesto perfection!

Enjoy your culinary adventure with pesto cream sauce! Experiment, have fun, and create your own unique masterpiece!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto?

A: Yes, you can use store-bought pesto, but homemade pesto will always have a fresher and more vibrant flavor. If using store-bought, choose a high-quality brand.

Q: Can I make pesto cream sauce ahead of time?

A: Pesto cream sauce is best served fresh, but you can make the pesto ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the cream just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze pesto cream sauce?

A: Freezing pesto cream sauce is not recommended, as the cream may separate and become grainy when thawed. However, you can freeze the pesto separately and add it to fresh cream when ready to use.

Q: What pasta shapes work best with pesto cream sauce?

A: Long, thin pasta shapes like spaghetti, linguine, and fettuccine, as well as shorter shapes like penne, rigatoni, and fusilli, all work well with pesto cream sauce.

Q: How can I make pesto cream sauce lighter?

A: You can use light cream or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.

Q: What are some good vegetarian additions to pesto cream sauce?

A: Cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, peas, and zucchini all make delicious vegetarian additions to pesto cream sauce.

Q: What are some good protein additions to pesto cream sauce?

A: Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, sausage, and prosciutto all make great protein additions to pesto cream sauce.

Q: Can I use a different type of nut in the pesto?

A: Yes, you can substitute walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for pine nuts in the pesto.

Q: Can I add lemon juice to pesto cream sauce?

A: Yes, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor of pesto cream sauce. Add it at the end, just before serving.

Q: Is pesto cream sauce gluten-free?

A: Pesto cream sauce itself is gluten-free, but it is typically served with pasta, which is not gluten-free. To make a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free pasta.

More Pesto Cream Sauce Recipe Ideas

• Pesto Cream Sauce with Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers, with pesto cream sauce and pasta.
• Pesto Cream Sauce with Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Combine grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and pesto cream sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
• Pesto Cream Sauce with Shrimp and Asparagus: Sauté shrimp and asparagus and toss with pesto cream sauce and pasta for a light and elegant dish.
• Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake: Layer cooked pasta, pesto cream sauce, and mozzarella cheese in a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
• Pesto Cream Sauce with Smoked Salmon: Flake smoked salmon over pesto cream sauce and pasta for a decadent and flavorful treat.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to making delicious pesto cream sauce, complete with recipes, tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Enjoy creating your own pesto cream sauce masterpieces!