Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup pine nuts; 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese + more for serving; 4 cloves garlic (peeled); 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 pound tagliatelle or pasta of choice; 1/3 cup reserved pasta water

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Creamy Pesto Pasta – a dish that brings together everything you crave: herby basil, toasted pine nuts, silky strands of pasta, and a dreamy, luscious sauce that coats every bite. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels both fresh and indulgent, perfect for weeknight dinners but easily fancy enough for guests. Whether you’re a pesto devotee or just pasta-obsessed, this is the one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Pesto Pasta? It’s all about high-quality ingredients shining in every forkful. Each component adds a signature note—brightness, creaminess, crunch, or that signature pesto green—so sourcing fresh and flavorful items is absolutely worth it.

Fresh basil leaves (3 cups): The heart of any true pesto, basil gives a fragrant, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that turns the sauce a beautiful green.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): Choose a good one; its smooth richness brings out the herbs and nuts.
Pine nuts (1/4 cup): These delicate nuts add mild sweetness and a buttery texture—always toast for maximum flavor!
Freshly grated parmesan cheese (1/4 cup + more): Nothing beats the salty, umami punch and luxurious melt that fresh “parm” offers.
Garlic (4 cloves): Raw garlic brings zing and aroma without overpowering the sauce—don’t skip!
Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just the right saltiness to make all the flavors pop.
Fresh ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A dash of heat and sharpness that lifts the dish.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): For classic creamy richness—it finishes the sauce with that dreamy texture.
Heavy cream (3 tablespoons): The secret to the “creamy” in Creamy Pesto Pasta; it turns the sauce silky smooth.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Totally optional, but adds a little heat if you’re into that.
Tagliatelle or pasta of choice (1 pound): Long, wide noodles are perfect for catching the sauce, but use your favorite.
Reserved pasta water (1/3 cup): Don’t toss your pasta water! It helps the sauce cling to every noodle.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your tagliatelle (or whichever noodle sings to you), and let it cook until just al dente—firm with a whisper of bite left. Right before draining, ladle out about a third of a cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for our sauce.

Step 2: Make the Basil Pesto

While the pasta works its magic, whip up your pesto. Into a food processor go the fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until everything’s finely chopped, releasing those gorgeous aromas. Now, with the machine running, trickle in extra virgin olive oil so the pesto becomes thick, glossy, and vibrant. Scrape the sides, add another drizzle if needed, and taste for seasoning. You’ll want it bold and fragrant. If this is as far as you go, stash your pesto and pat yourself on the back!

Step 3: Stir Together the Creamy Sauce

Grab a large skillet and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. To that, add your freshly made pesto and gently stir so the butter and basil swirl together. Pour in the heavy cream, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and whisk until everything looks like your sauce dreams—smooth, creamy, and flecked with green.

Step 4: Toss the Pasta

Add your drained pasta straight into the skillet, gently tossing so every ribbon gets gloriously coated. Here’s the trick: drizzle in a bit of your reserved pasta water, one spoonful at a time, tossing until the sauce turns silkier and clings perfectly. You know it’s just right when the pasta slips and slides, glossy and green.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop your Creamy Pesto Pasta into bowls, top with a generous shower of extra parmesan, and serve immediately. The creamy, herby aroma is irresistible—get ready for everyone to dive right in!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of freshly grated parmesan cheese is an absolute must, but why stop there? Try scattering a few whole basil leaves on top for an inviting color pop, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for a bit more crunch. If you adore a little heat, a pinch of extra red pepper flakes never hurts.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Pesto Pasta is rich and flavorful, so lighter sides work best. Think crisp mixed greens with a squeeze of lemon, roasted cherry tomatoes, or even a platter of marinated olives. Warm, crusty bread is a perfect companion for mopping up any remaining sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Creamy Pesto Pasta family-style in a big, rustic bowl creates a real showstopper moment. For dinner parties, twirl individual portions onto plates and artfully dot with pesto, scatter cheese, and add a sprig of basil. Or, pack leftovers into jars for a lunchbox treat that’s both beautiful and practical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Creamy Pesto Pasta completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days, and the flavors will deepen nicely by day two!

Freezing

If you want to make the pesto sauce ahead, freeze it separately in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a bag for up to 2 months. While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate, this one does surprisingly well if you gently reheat and stir.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of cream, milk, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat, stirring until silky again. For single portions, the microwave works too—just add a little liquid before zapping and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for Creamy Pesto Pasta?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a terrific shortcut when time is tight. Stir in the heavy cream and butter as called for in the recipe to add that signature creamy finish.

What other nuts can I use instead of pine nuts?

While pine nuts offer a classic flavor, walnuts or cashews make great substitutes and lend their own unique richness to the pesto sauce.

Is there a dairy-free version of Creamy Pesto Pasta?

Yes! Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese, use plant-based butter, and stir in coconut cream or a splash of creamy oat milk to achieve that luscious texture.

What kind of pasta shapes work best?

Tagliatelle is luxurious and perfect for holding the creamy sauce, but any long or short pasta will do—use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti for equally delicious results.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can absolutely prep the pesto and even cook the pasta in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, toss in the noodles, and finish with fresh grated cheese for the freshest taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing cozier or more satisfying than a bowl of Creamy Pesto Pasta shared with those you love. Give it a try and let this herby, dreamy dish brighten up your next dinner. I have a feeling it’ll become one of your favorites too!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Pesto Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese in a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta to al dente, reserve pasta water, and drain pasta.
Make Pesto: Blend basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, salt/pepper with olive oil until smooth.
Prepare Sauce: Melt butter in a skillet, add pesto, cream, and pepper flakes, simmer.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in pesto sauce, add reserved water until silky.
Serve: Top with cheese and enjoy!