Description
A simple and delicious creamy pesto pasta recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 cup pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken, or shrimp
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In the same pot, combine pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, with optional additions if desired.
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- You can make your own pesto or use store-bought.
- Add cooked protein like chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal.
- Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pesto pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, easy dinner, weeknight meal, vegetarian pasta