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Home » Course » Dinner » Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Published: Jul 19, 2023 by Veronika's Kitchen * This post may contain affiliate links

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Try this amazing Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe! Made with just a few ingredients, this simple yet flavorful pasta is coated in delicious velvety cream sauce. This comforting dish will be perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering.

Pasta in a creamy pesto sauce in a skillet.

If you are looking for a new quick and easy dinner recipe, try this amazing Creamy Pesto Pasta! It’s made with a few basic ingredients, but has a lot of flavor and is coated in a delicious velvety creamy sauce.

Ingredients and Substitution

  • Butter. I prefer to use unsalted butter, as it’s easier to control the amount of salt. If you decide to use salted butter, you will need to lower the amount of added salt in this recipe.
  • All-purpose flour. The flour will help us to create “roux”, which will work as the thickener for the sauce. Gluten-free or almond flour will not work in this recipe.
  • Milk. To make this recipe easier, I like to use just whole milk. You also can substitute it with equal parts of chicken broth and heavy cream, which will add even more flavor to the dish.
  • Seasoning. For the seasoning, I add a mix of salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. To spice it up, feel free to add some red pepper flakes.
  • Pesto. Basil pesto will add a delicious herby and nutty flavor to the dish. If you use a store bought one, make sure it’s made with high quality ingredients and without any preservatives.
  • Parmesan cheese. Make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as it will blend much easier than pre-grated one.
  • Pasta. In this recipe, I use pipe rigate variety. Although, you can easily use any of your favorite pasta, like penne, rotini, fusilli, spaghetti, etc.
  • Add-ons. Feel free to add some chicken or vegetables to this recipe.
Separate ingredients to make Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe.

How to make it

In a large pot, bring water to boil and generously season with salt. Cook pasta according to the instructions until al-dente. When done, drain the liquid and set the pasta aside.

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 3 tbsp butter, then add 3 tbsp all-purpose flour. Whisk it together and let it cook for about a minute or until everything is well incorporates and the mixture starts to bubble.

Process photos of adding flour to the melted butter.

Add 3 cups milk, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp garlic powder.

Stir and cook on low/medium heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Make sure to stir every few minutes, so the bottom of the skillet doesn’t burn.

Process photos of adding milk and seasoning to the sauce.

Then add ⅓ cup basil pesto and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir will until combined.

Process photos of adding pesto and grated Parmesan cheese to the creamy sauce.

When the sauce thickens and coats a spoon, add precooked pasta and fold it in. Let it cook together for a couple of minutes to bring the flavors together.

Process photos of adding cooked pasta to the creamy sauce.

Expert Tips

  • Season the pasta water. The trick to make the pasta more flavorful is to generously season the water with salt. This will help to bring up the flavors and won’t taste too bland.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta. When we add pasta to the sauce, it will continue to cook and absorb the sauce. So, by cooking it to al-dente, you will get the right texture in the final dish.
  • Stir the sauce. Since the sauce is creamy, it’s easy to burn it on the bottom. To avoid it, just keep stirring it every few minutes.
Pasta in a creamy pesto sauce in a skillet.

What to serve with Creamy Pesto Pasta

  • Chicken: Lemon Pepper Chicken Thighs, Cast Iron Chicken, Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast, Baked Chicken Cutlets, Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken.
  • Vegetables: Sheet Pan Chicken and Veggies, Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, Green Beans Amandine, Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to store?

You can refrigerate it in an air-tight container for up to 3-4 days.

How to reheat pasta in creamy sauce?

When the pesto creamy sauce cools off, it will thicken up. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with the lid on and stir every few minutes.

Do I have to use homemade pesto?

It’s totally up to you. You can use homemade or a good quality store bought basil pesto.

Pasta in a creamy pesto sauce in a skillet.

More Pasta Recipes:

  • Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake
  • Vegetable Pasta Bake
  • Creamy Vegetable Pasta
  • Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe
  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
  • Chicken Broccoli Ziti
  • Tortellini in Tomato Sauce
  • Easy Spaghetti Bolognese Recipe
  • Meatless Baked Ziti
Pasta in a creamy pesto sauce in a skillet.
Print Recipe
5 from 9 votes

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Try this amazing Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe! Made with just a few ingredients, this simple yet flavorful pasta is coated in delicious velvety cream sauce. This comforting dish will be perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 600kcal
Author: Veronika’s Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces dried pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅓ cup basil pesto
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated

Instructions

  • In a large pot, bring water to boil and generously season with salt. Cook pasta according to the instructions until al-dente. When done, drain the liquid and set the pasta aside.
  • Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 3 tbsp butter, then add 3 tbsp all-purpose flour. Whisk it together and let it cook for about a minute or until everything is well incorporates and the mixture starts to bubble.
  • Add 3 cups milk, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp garlic powder.
  • Stir and cook on low/medium heat for about 10 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Make sure to stir every few minutes, so the bottom of the skillet doesn’t burn.
  • Then add ⅓ cup basil pesto and ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir will until combined.
  • When the sauce thickens and coats a spoon, add precooked pasta and fold it in. Let it cook together for a couple of minutes to bring the flavors together.

Notes

  • Season the pasta water. The trick to make the pasta more flavorful is to generously season the water with salt. This will help to bring up the flavors and won’t taste too bland.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta. When we add pasta to the sauce, it will continue to cook and absorb the sauce. So, by cooking it to al-dente, you will get the right texture in the final dish.
  • Stir the sauce. Since the sauce is creamy, it’s easy to burn it on the bottom. To avoid it, just keep stirring it every few minutes.
  • How to store. You can refrigerate it in an air-tight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • How to reheat. When the pesto creamy sauce cools off, it will thicken up. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with the lid on and stir every few minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 826mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1074IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 427mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by leaving a review below. Or snap a photo and share it on Instagram; be sure to tag me @veronikaskitchen.

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  • Pork medallions with caramelized apples in a skillet, topped with fresh sage leaves.
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  • Red potato salad with dill and chopped bacon in a bowl.
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  • Salad, made with pasta, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs.
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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Hayley Dhanecha says

    July 31, 2023 at 3:05 am

    5 stars
    We love pasta anyday, one of the most comforting food. Addition of pesto in creamy pasta is something new to me. Can’t wait to make it again.

    Reply
  2. Enriqueta E Lemoine says

    July 30, 2023 at 8:37 pm

    5 stars
    Adding basil pesto to the creamy sauce is a dream come true. You nailed it with this pasta recipe.I cannot wait to make it again.

    Reply
  3. Loreto and Nicoletta says

    July 29, 2023 at 11:34 pm

    5 stars
    You definitely wouldn’t have to ask twice if we would like some pasta. Love the creaminess, and all that flavor, and Pesto is such a wonderful flavor elevator. Well done! ❤️

    Reply
  4. Sophie says

    July 28, 2023 at 3:35 pm

    5 stars
    I made this delightful recipe, and it was an instant hit with everyone who tried it. The creamy sauce, made with a luscious blend of basil pesto, and cream, coated the pasta beautifully,

    Reply
  5. Jessica says

    July 28, 2023 at 10:28 am

    5 stars
    Delish! My kids said this was better than Olive Garden, lol. Which is a total win. Thanks for an easy dinner recipe we will use over and over!

    Reply
  6. Jacqueline Debono says

    July 28, 2023 at 2:58 am

    5 stars
    Love this way of making pesto pasta, so creamy and delicious and easy to make!

    Reply
  7. Sean says

    July 28, 2023 at 12:38 am

    5 stars
    I had some fresh basil so I added some chopped basil to the pasta and it was incredible.

    Reply
  8. Tammy says

    July 27, 2023 at 3:16 pm

    5 stars
    Two of my favorites combined- creamy sauce and pesto. This is a delicious meal to make this season with the abundance of fresh basil now in the garden. So easy too! Making this for dinner tonight ;D

    Reply
  9. Kathryn says

    July 26, 2023 at 9:36 am

    We loved this pasta for dinner! It was so flavorful, extra comforting, and such an easy dish to whip up. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Bernice says

    July 25, 2023 at 7:14 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent! I was looking for an easy pasta recipe to make for dinner tonight and this was it. I had a lot of garden basil to use up and some milk that was nearing the expiry. We had it with shrimp and it was so satisfying!

    Reply

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