When I met The Husband, I wasn’t the biggest fan of pesto. I’ve grown to like it, though. Over the years, I think I’ve perfected this delicious creamy pesto pasta recipe. (Try saying that 5 times fast!) I upgrade a plain jar of pesto sauce from the grocery store with butter, more garlic, and half and half.
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Contents
What I Love About This Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce
Maybe we just have big appetites, but I can never seem to get enough pesto sauce out of the jar for a satisfying meal. They do go on sale … but something about using up two jars kind of annoys me. Enter this recipe, where I can add some stuff from my kitchen and stretch out that pesto.
This recipe also has a touch of creamy without being overpoweringly creamy like an alfredo sauce.
Have it with a crusty bread to sop up that creamy goodness.
Kitchen Equipment Used
- Chopping board
- Chef’s knife
- Large mixing bowl
- A large skillet
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Tongs or spatula
- Serving dish
FAQs
- What Is Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce? This sauce is a rich, flavorful mixture ideal for coating pasta. It combines the aromatic flavors of pesto with a creamy base, often including ingredients like heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and sometimes lemon for added zest.
- How Do I Make Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce Gluten-Free? To make this sauce gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free flour for thickening and ensure your pesto is gluten-free. Pair it with gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.
- Can I Make This Sauce Dairy-Free? Yes, you can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes. Note that this might alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- What Are Some Good Pasta Choices for This Sauce? Long, sturdy pastas like fettuccine or tagliatelle work best. They hold the sauce well, giving a luxurious feel to the dish. Gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta are great alternatives.
- How Do I Store Leftover Sauce? Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a bit of water or broth if it’s too thick.
- Can I Freeze This Sauce? Freezing is not recommended as the creamy base may separate and lose its smooth texture upon thawing.
- How Can I Reheat The Sauce? Reheat the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent separation. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or broth.
- What Can I Serve With Creamy Pesto Pasta? A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement this dish well. The sauce’s richness pairs nicely with lighter sides.
- Can I Add Meat or Vegetables to This Sauce? Grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or cherry tomatoes make great additions. You can make it extra special with my salmon meatballs.
- Are There Any Variations I Can Try? You can experiment by adding sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or different herbs to the sauce. A splash of white wine in the sauce can also add a new dimension of flavor.
Photo Steps
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the rich and flavorful Creamy Pesto Pasta, a perfect blend of savory pesto and smooth creaminess, ready in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 16 ounces pasta, any variety
- 1 (6.7 ounce) jar of pesto sauce
- 6.7 ounces half and half
- 8 ounces (1 stick) butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- parsley, to taste
- parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Make pasta (I chose linguine), following the package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, add stick of butter to skillet that was preheated at medium heat. Add garlic, stirring occasionally.
- When butter is fully melted, add pesto sauce.
- Fill the jar with half and half, and shake (dispersing the remaining pesto).
- Pour half the half and half into the skillet. Add the cornstarch, and shake the bottle. Pour the slurry mixture into the sauce.
- Add chicken broth. Simmer until thickened and heated through. Serve over pasta.
Notes
- Experiment with different pasta types to find your favorite texture and flavor pairing.
- For a richer sauce, consider using heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Adding cooked chicken or vegetables can turn this into a complete meal.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the pesto is gluten-free.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, adjust the amount of chicken broth.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor more than pre-grated cheese.
- To store leftovers, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for added freshness and flavor right before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 348Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 21mgSodium 613mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 11g
Nutrition automatically generated.
The Final: Delicious Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
