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Creamy Pesto Pasta in 30 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 115 reviews

A rich and creamy pesto pasta that’s ready in just 30 minutes, combining tender penne with a luxurious sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and vibrant basil pesto. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch, offering a harmonious blend of flavors with a hint of chili flakes for a subtle kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 450 g Penne pasta uncooked

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups Heavy cream
  • ½ cup Milk or half and half
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ teaspoon Chili flakes
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup Pesto

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 11-13 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. Sauté the garlic: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Prepare the creamy sauce: Pour the heavy cream and milk into the skillet with the garlic. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  4. Add cheese and seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue to simmer the sauce until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Incorporate pesto and pasta: Add the pesto to the sauce and stir until fully combined. Toss in the cooked penne pasta, mixing thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  6. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

  • You can swap heavy cream for a lighter cream or half-and-half for a lighter version, but it may affect richness.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • For a vegan version, substitute dairy cream with coconut cream, use vegan cheese, and replace pesto with a vegan pesto alternative.
  • Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
  • Parmesan can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a different flavor profile.

Keywords: Creamy pesto pasta, penne pasta recipe, quick Italian dinner, creamy pasta sauce, pesto recipe, 30-minute pasta meal

Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-in-30-minutes-recipe/