This creamy pesto pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that comes together quickly with minimal effort. The fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan blend beautifully into a creamy sauce, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. It serves two and is ready in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 200g fettuccine or linguine
- 3 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 100ml heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated parmesan (optional, but I always say go for it!)
Preparation:
- Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to save about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it will help you adjust the sauce later. Pasta water is like liquid gold for pasta sauces, so don’t forget this step!
- Prepare the garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute or two, just until it becomes fragrant. Be sure not to let it brown, as garlic can turn bitter quickly if it overcooks.
- Make the creamy pesto sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the pesto and cream. Let it simmer for a minute, allowing the flavors to blend together and the sauce to thicken slightly. If you’re using store-bought pesto, it’s a good idea to taste it first to make sure the flavor is balanced. Sometimes I find adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice brightens it up a bit. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Once the pasta is done, toss it directly into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Turn off the heat and gently toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Add more of that pasta water if needed to create a silky, luscious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.
- Finish and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really fine-tune the flavors. Garnish with a generous amount of grated parmesan and some fresh basil leaves for a beautiful, vibrant finish. The parmesan will melt into the sauce, making it even richer, and the basil adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Garnish with a sprig of basil and serve with grated Parmesan on the side. Enjoy this vibrant dish as a quick meal or a side for your favorite protein.
Nutrient Breakdown (per serving):
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fat: 25g
Potential Allergies: This recipe contains gluten from the pasta and dairy from the cream and parmesan. You can easily swap out the pasta for a gluten-free option and use dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary restrictions.