Description
This creamy pesto pasta sauce combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of basil pesto with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious and velvety sauce that’s perfect for tossing with your favorite pasta. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s an easy and delicious Italian-inspired dish that can be customized with grilled meats or veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup prepared basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Serving
- Cooked pasta of choice for serving
Instructions
- Heat the garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add pesto and cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the pesto. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine the mixture smoothly.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Incorporate cheese and seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted, and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt as needed. Toss the sauce with freshly cooked pasta immediately and serve warm.
Notes
- This sauce pairs well with pasta shapes like penne, fettuccine, or tortellini.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed vegetables to make it a complete meal.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream.
