Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup prepared basil pesto; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Description

This creamy pesto pasta sauce is a rich and flavorful Italian-inspired sauce made with basil pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of garlic. It’s perfect for elevating your pasta dishes with a smooth, velvety texture and a vibrant, herbaceous taste. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, this sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of pasta shapes such as fettuccine, penne, or gnocchi, and can be customized by adding proteins or vegetables for a full meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup prepared basil pesto
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat Olive Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic to maintain its delicate flavor.
Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This step allows the cream to warm through and begin to thicken slightly, creating a luscious base for the sauce.
Incorporate Pesto: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the prepared basil pesto until fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of herbaceous flavor throughout the sauce.
Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Simmer to Blend Flavors: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for an additional 2–3 minutes, enhancing the melding of flavors and thickening the sauce to a perfect consistency.
Finish with Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the optional lemon juice to add a bright, fresh note that balances the richness of the cream and cheese.
Serve: Immediately pour the sauce over hot, cooked pasta of your choice and toss to coat evenly, serving the dish warm for the best taste and texture.

Notes

This sauce pairs well with fettuccine, penne, or gnocchi.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to turn this sauce into a satisfying full meal.