Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/3 cup pine nuts; 2 garlic cloves, peeled; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional squeeze of lemon juice

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If you’re ready for a pasta night that feels like pure luxury yet comes together with ease, this Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine vivid green basil, nutty Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts coming together in a velvety sauce, kissed by garlic and swirled with a touch of cream. It’s a dish that brings the sunshine of an Italian summer straight to your plate, all in under 15 minutes. Whether you want dinner to impress or simply crave something deeply satisfying, this sauce has you covered—fresh, rich, and guaranteed to put a big smile on your face.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a short list of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Each component delivers a distinct note—aroma, richness, crunch, or creaminess—that transforms a humble noodle into something extraordinary!

Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, packed): Brings that iconic bright, herbal flavor and gorgeous green color to your Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Delivers savory depth and a salty kick that balances the creaminess.
Pine nuts (1/3 cup): Adds subtle buttery crunch and a hint of sweetness; toast for extra flavor!
Garlic cloves (2, peeled): Just the right amount to keep things lively without overpowering the sauce.
Olive oil (1/2 cup): Smooths everything together and gives your sauce body along with classic Mediterranean flair.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to achieving ultra-silky, irresistibly creamy texture; coconut cream works for dairy-free.
Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the sauce and helps it cling to pasta beautifully.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances every flavor—start slow and adjust at the end.
Optional squeeze of lemon juice: Just a touch for a pop of freshness and brightness, especially if your basil is extra sweet.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Blend the Basil, Parmesan, Nuts, and Garlic

Start by adding the fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves to your food processor or blender. Pulse this mixture until it’s finely chopped—what you’re creating here is that classic pesto foundation, and you’ll already notice the scent is absolutely heavenly!

Step 2: Stream in the Olive Oil

With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps the mixture turn from a rough chop into a smooth, emerald-colored pesto. Don’t rush this step; slow pouring ensures everything emulsifies perfectly for a glossy Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce base.

Step 3: Heat the Pesto Sauce with Cream and Butter

Scoop the freshly made pesto into a medium saucepan set over medium-low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and that tablespoon of butter. Stir gently and let the sauce warm up just until you see it start to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes. The cream and butter transform the classic pesto into a lush, decadent sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful!

Step 4: Season and Brighten

This is the moment to make everything sing! Taste your sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like, add a quick squeeze of lemon juice—the acidity wakes everything up and balances the richness. Your Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce is now ready to pour over your favorite cooked pasta.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce

Garnishes

Finish your plates with extra shavings of Parmesan, a scatter of toasted pine nuts, and a sprig or two of fresh basil. These touches highlight the core flavors of the Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce and add a little jazz to the presentation.

Side Dishes

This velvet-green sauce shines alongside a simple lemony arugula salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted cherry tomatoes. Each of these sides adds new textures and flavors without overpowering the main attraction.

Creative Ways to Present

Dollop Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce atop gnocchi, drizzle it over grilled chicken, or use it as a rich dip for fresh focaccia. Swirl some into a risotto or spoon it over roasted veggies for a show-stopping vegetarian centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra? Simply scoop any leftover Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce into an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It keeps its vibrant flavor and luscious texture for up to four days, making it perfect for quick lunch or dinner revivals.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this sauce for longer storage! Pour the cooled Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce into a freezer-safe container or an ice cube tray for easy portioning. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using, and give it a gentle stir to bring back that creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, place the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If it seems too thick, whisk in a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up—it’ll be as smooth and dreamy as when you first made it!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto as a shortcut?

Absolutely! While fresh-made pesto gives you maximum flavor, a good-quality store-bought pesto blended with cream and butter still makes a delicious and speedy Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce for busy nights.

What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce clings beautifully to any noodle, but short, ridged shapes like penne or fusilli really hold onto the sauce; long strands like fettuccine work gorgeously too.

Are there nut-free options?

Yes! You can swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds or simply omit them; the sauce remains deliciously savory and creamy, still worthy of center stage.

How do I make this vegan or dairy-free?

Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream, vegan butter for the dairy version, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to craft a dairy-free Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce that tastes absolutely fantastic.

Can I make the sauce ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare your Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce a day in advance, refrigerate it, and gently reheat with a splash of milk or cream before serving—it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for gatherings.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something rich, vibrant, and bursting with the scents of summer, this Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce is the go-to recipe. In just minutes, you can bring a touch of Italy to your table—don’t wait, give it a try and share the joy with everyone you love!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this homemade Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce. Made with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and a touch of heavy cream, this sauce is a luxurious addition to any pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Basil Pesto:

1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/2 cup olive oil

Creamy Sauce:

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional squeeze of lemon juice

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Instructions

Prepare the Fresh Basil Pesto: In a food processor, blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic until finely chopped. Slowly add olive oil until smooth.
Cook the Creamy Sauce: Transfer the pesto to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in cream and butter, cook until warmed and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Season and Serve: Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Serve over cooked pasta.