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Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce Recipe


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4 from 72 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce recipe is a quick and delicious way to elevate your pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from fresh basil pesto, garlic, cream, and parmesan. Prepared in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that combines the aromatic freshness of basil with a smooth, creamy texture that clings beautifully to your choice of pasta.


Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3/4 cup single or light cream
  • 25 grams parmesan (finely grated)
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Pasta

  • 200 grams pasta of your choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring a gentle sizzle. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned or burnt to maintain its delicate flavor.
  2. Add Cream and Simmer: Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the cream. Bring it to a very gentle simmer, taking care that it does not boil, to avoid curdling.
  3. Incorporate Parmesan: Add the finely grated parmesan in two portions, allowing each half to fully melt into the cream before adding the next, creating a smooth and rich base.
  4. Mix in Pesto and Seasonings: Stir in the basil pesto, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice, combining all the flavors thoroughly.
  5. Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it slightly thickens, intensifying the flavor and texture.
  6. Add Cooked Pasta: Immediately add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Mix well and let it bubble gently for another 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
  7. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency, and mix again before serving.

Notes

  • You can use either single cream or light cream depending on your preference for richness.
  • Choose your favorite type of pasta; short shapes like penne or fusilli work especially well for holding the sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  • For a vegetarian option, ensure the parmesan is free from animal rennet.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian