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Overhead shot of creamy pesto pasta in a bowl.

Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!)

Rich and delish
This creamy pesto pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in 30 minutes and is creamy, herby, savory, and delicious.
5 from 12 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 734 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 450 g Penne pasta uncooked
  • 2 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 ½ cups Heavy cream
  • ½ cup Milk or half and half
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ teaspoon Chili flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup Pesto

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot over high heat, add the water, salt, and pasta, and cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions.
  • Drain and wash the pasta with cold water to prevent it from overcooking. (if you have leftover pasta, skip this step)
  • In a large skillet, on medium heat, add olive oil, and minced garlic, and cook it until lightly golden brown.
  • Add the heavy cream, milk (or half and half), basil pesto, chili flakes, salt and pepper, and grated parmesan cheese, and mix well using a wooden spoon. Let the sauce cook on medium-high heat and reach a simmer.
  • Add the cooked pasta and mix well until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes over medium heat. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make the pasta in salted water. this will make sure that the pasta flavor isn't flat. add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water.
  • Cook the pasta to al dente. to stop the pasta from turning soggy from the juices, cook the pasta al dente. this step will keep your pasta dish fresh and delicious.
  • Rinse the pasta with cold water when it's ready! This step ensures that the pasta will remain al dente and won't continue to cook.
  • Use fresh ingredients! fresh ingredients will make your dish more flavorful!
  • When you make the pasta, always reserve a cup of pasta water. If your sauce is too thick, or you don't have enough sauce, add some pasta water and the starchy water will make your sauce creamy and smooth.
  • Add your favorite add-ins like cooked broccoli, cooked chicken, fresh spinach, fresh basil, green beans, cherry tomatoes, cooked shrimp, etc.
  • When you reheat this pasta dish, the sauce might look too thick, so I recommend loosening it up by adding a splash or two of milk or water.

Nutrition

Calories: 734kcalCarbohydrates: 73gProtein: 20gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 327mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1739IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 260mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Creamy Pesto Pasta
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