Some meals feel like a warm hug after a long day, and this creamy pesto pasta is exactly that. The rich aroma of fresh basil mingling with garlic and pine nuts fills the kitchen, promising a comforting experience ahead. As I stir the smooth sauce, the cream coats each piece of penne, making every bite indulgently silky.

I remember one evening when the sky had just turned dusky pink, and the house was quiet except for the gentle simmering on the stove. The scent of melting butter and fresh pesto pulled me toward the kitchen, where a simple yet luxurious dinner was coming together. Sitting down to eat felt like a small celebration, a moment to pause and enjoy something truly satisfying without hours of effort. It’s the kind of dinner you want to come back to again and again.

The creamy texture balances the fresh, vibrant pesto perfectly.
Ready in just 25 minutes, it fits seamlessly into busy schedules.
Fresh basil pesto brings a homemade touch without complicated steps.
Comforting and rich, yet not overly heavy—great for any season.
Easy to customize with extra toppings or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

If you’re worried about keeping leftovers tasty, storing it in an airtight container keeps the flavors fresh for a few days, and gentle reheating brings it back to life without losing that creamy charm.

Creamy Pesto Pasta

Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4

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Description

A rich and flavorful creamy pesto pasta made with fresh basil pesto and a smooth cream sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the food processor and pulse a few more times to combine. Set the pesto aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the prepared pesto. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. While penne works wonderfully here, feel free to swap in fusilli, farfalle, or any pasta shape you prefer.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly? It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing creamy sauces can change the texture, so refrigerate leftovers instead.

How can I make it lighter? You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative, though it will slightly alter the richness.

Can I prepare the pesto in advance? Yes! Making the pesto ahead of time saves even more time on busy nights. Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container.

When you’re ready for a meal that feels both special and easy, this creamy pesto pasta is waiting to be your new favorite. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a comforting staple in your kitchen.