Creamy Pesto Pasta
Recipe Tested & Approved by Mia Hartwell
Every recipe is developed, cooked, and tested by Mia in a real home kitchen using everyday ingredients to ensure reliable, repeatable results.
Basil pesto blended into a light cream sauce and tossed with pasta for a quick, herby dinner. Ready in 20 minutes with vibrant green color and big basil flavor.
By Mia HartwellUpdated January 11, 2026
Developed using tested cooking methods — cook to the temperatures given and adjust times to your equipment.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Herby, vibrant pesto pasta in 20 minutes
- A creamy twist on classic pesto
- Vegetarian and easy to dress up with protein
- Big basil flavor with minimal effort
Creamy Pesto Pasta
23 min totalServes 4
Nutrition (per serving)
Values are estimates. See our disclaimer for details.
- Calories
- 560kcal
- Protein
- 17g
- Carbs
- 58g
- Fat
- 28g
- Fiber
- 3g
- Sugar
- 4g
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic 1 minute.
- 3
Pour in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto and Parmesan until smooth (low heat keeps the pesto green).
- 5
Add the pasta and cherry tomatoes, tossing to coat and loosening with pasta water as needed.
- 6
Season to taste, top with fresh basil, and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
- Stir the pesto in over low heat — high heat dulls its bright color and fresh flavor.
- Use a good-quality pesto, or make your own, since it's the star of the dish.
- Reserve pasta water to keep the sauce silky and clinging.
- Cherry tomatoes add a fresh pop, but the dish is great without them too.
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How to Cook Creamy Pesto Pasta
New to this dish? Follow along with the detailed guide below — we break down each stage so you get perfect results the very first time.
Make a light cream base
Cook the garlic in butter, then simmer the cream briefly to thicken slightly. This gives the pesto something luxurious to fold into without overwhelming its fresh basil flavor.
Add pesto off high heat
Pesto is delicate — high heat turns its vibrant green dull and mutes the basil. Lower the heat before stirring in the pesto and Parmesan so the sauce stays bright and fragrant.
Toss and finish
Add the pasta and toss with reserved pasta water until the sauce clings evenly. Fresh cherry tomatoes and basil at the end add color and a pop of acidity that balances the rich, creamy sauce.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; it's also tasty cold as a pasta salad. Refresh with a little olive oil or pesto when serving.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pesto pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or your favorite grain. Add a simple side of roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying dinner the whole family will enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it without cream?+
Yes — toss the pasta with just pesto and a splash of pasta water for a classic (non-creamy) pesto pasta.
How do I add protein?+
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans all pair beautifully with creamy pesto.
Can I use store-bought pesto?+
Absolutely — a quality jarred pesto keeps this fast. Refrigerated pesto usually tastes fresher than shelf-stable.
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