This Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta is a dream come true for busy days! Packed with flavor and ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a delightful dish that even the kids will love.
The smooth and creamy sauce makes every bite satisfying. Trust me, you’ll want to keep a jar of pesto handy—you’ll be making this again and again! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using casarecce for its little grooves that hold the sauce well. If you can’t find it, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work just as nicely.
Heavy cream: This gives a rich flavor, but you can swap it for half-and-half for a lighter option. For dairy-free, use coconut cream or a nut-based cream instead.
Basil pesto: Store-bought is super convenient, but homemade is fresher! If you don’t have basil, try using sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for a smooth sauce. If you’re looking for a vegan option, nutritional yeast can add similar flavor!
How Do You Make Sure the Sauce Doesn’t Burn While Heating?
When warming heavy cream, keeping the heat low is key. You want to gently heat it to prevent burning, so avoid high temperatures. Stir frequently to keep it moving in the pan. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet on medium-low and add the olive oil, followed by the cream.
- Stir constantly until it feels warm, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the pesto and cheese slowly, mixing until smooth.
Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta in 10 Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) casarecce or your favorite short pasta
- For the Sauce:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup (130g) prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For Garnish:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved and lightly roasted (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish can be prepared in just 10 minutes! You’ll spend about 5 minutes cooking the pasta and 5 minutes preparing the creamy pesto sauce. It’s quick and perfect for those busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and gently warm it up, but make sure not to let it boil. Stir frequently to keep it smooth!
3. Mix in Pesto and Cheese:
Once the cream is warm, stir in the basil pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce looks smooth and creamy. If you find the sauce is too thick, just add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce and toss well to ensure that every piece of pasta is nicely coated in that creamy pesto goodness.
5. Season to Perfection:
Finally, season your pasta with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Taste a small bite to see if you’d like to adjust the seasoning.
6. Plate and Serve:
Grab a plate and serve your pasta hot! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and roasted cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. It’s ready to enjoy!
7. Enjoy Your Meal:
Dig in and savor your delicious creamy pesto pasta that’s ready in just 10 minutes!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Pesto Pasta
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they can vary!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto is a quick and easy option to save time. Just make sure it’s a good quality brand for the best flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water if needed to refresh the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian or Vegan?
To keep it vegetarian, simply ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, you can use a plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.
