If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that feels fancy yet is totally approachable, you’ve got to try this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked noodles swirled in a rich, velvety sauce with the herby kick of pesto and a luscious creaminess that’s downright irresistible. This dish brings together comfort and a bold, fresh flavor in under thirty minutes, making it perfect for cozy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Let’s dive into what makes this pasta so special and how you can whip it up at home with ease!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry basics and vibrant pesto, each component of this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe shines through. These simple ingredients build a silky sauce and a pop of color, while letting you add your personal touch if you’d like.

Butter: Essential for the white sauce base, adding a rich, savory flavor you can’t skip.
Flour: Creates structure and thickness in the sauce; use gluten-free flour if you want to adapt.
Milk: Gives the sauce a creamy, luscious texture—whole milk will make it extra decadent.
Salt: Rounds out all the flavors, so taste as you go to hit your perfect level.
Pesto: The heart of the dish, bringing basil-forward brightness and vibrant color—store-bought or homemade both work.
Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; short pasta like penne or fusilli clings to the sauce beautifully.
Optional pasta water or milk: Great for loosening the sauce if it feels a bit too thick, keeping everything silky and smooth.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, salting it generously to season the noodles. Bring it to a rolling boil, then add your pasta and cook according to the package directions. While the pasta is working its magic, you can start prepping your luscious sauce for this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe.

Step 2: Whip Up the White Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until just foamy. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes; this cooks out any raw flour taste and builds that silky base you want. Gradually add the milk, whisking as you go, and keep cooking until it thickens up. If the sauce feels too dense, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more milk—remember, the pesto will thin it out as well.

Step 3: Stir in the Pesto

Once your white sauce is thick and creamy, take the saucepan off the heat and add in the pesto. Stir gently until the sauce turns a beautiful green and is fully combined. This is the moment the Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe really comes alive with bold basil and cheesy flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce (Add Extras, If You Like)

Drain your pasta and pop it back into the pot, reserving a little pasta water in case you want to adjust the sauce. Now’s the time to get creative! If you love extra veggies, toss in some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even cooked chicken. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and mix until everything is coated in that glorious green sauce.

Step 5: Serve It Up Hot

Scoop the finished pasta onto plates or into bowls. Serve warm and enjoy every forkful of this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe. Get ready for comfort food with a bright, herby twist!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Scatter freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for extra flavor and a touch of saltiness. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, a few shreds of basil, or a crack of black pepper all add beautiful texture and eye appeal to your Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy pasta with a simple side salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Crusty bread or garlic knots are also fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce, making sure none of that creamy goodness goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the pasta into individual ramekins for a cozy dinner party effect, or swirl it into bird’s nest shapes on each plate for a playful twist. For a family-style meal, pile the Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe high on a large platter and let everyone help themselves straight from the dish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but the flavors remain vibrant and delicious.

Freezing

While the Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze portions if needed. Let the pasta cool, pack into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to one month. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the creamy sauce.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to make sure everything heats evenly and stays silky smooth—almost as good as new!

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular flour with your favorite gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta. The sauce thickens up just as beautifully, so you won’t lose any of that dreamy texture.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

This dish is super flexible! Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, shells, or even spirals work especially well because the sauce clings to all the nooks and crannies. But truly, any pasta you love will shine in this Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe.

Can I use a different kind of milk?

Yes, you can experiment with whatever milk you prefer—whole milk will give you the most decadent results, but low-fat, oat or almond milk all work for a lighter version. Just note that alternative milks may change the sauce’s texture and richness.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It sure is, as long as your pesto doesn’t have animal rennet in the cheese. For a vegan option, use plant-based milk, dairy-free butter, and a vegan pesto. The Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe adapts beautifully to different diets!

How do I keep the sauce smooth and lump-free?

The key is to whisk constantly when you add the milk to the roux, and make sure the flour is totally dissolved. If things thicken up too much, add a splash of pasta water or milk to bring back the creamy silkiness.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again, whether you’re feeding the whole family or just treating yourself to some weeknight comfort. I hope you’ll give it a go, add your own twists, and share it with everyone who needs a little taste of joy!

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 21 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this luscious Creamy Pesto Pasta, where al dente pasta is smothered in a velvety pesto-infused white sauce. Quick and easy to make, this dish is a delightful blend of flavors that will please your taste buds!

Ingredients

Scale

For the White Sauce:

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour (gluten-free option available)
2 cups milk
1/2 to 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)

For the Pasta:

1/2 to 3/4 cup pesto (to taste)
3/4 pound pasta
Optional: pasta water or additional milk

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Boil water and cook the pasta according to package instructions.
Make the White Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk until thickened.
Combine with Pesto: Stir pesto into the white sauce and remove from heat.
Final Assembly: Drain pasta, return to pot, add desired ingredients, then toss with the creamy pesto sauce.
Serve: Plate the pasta and enjoy this creamy delight!

Notes

Feel free to customize this dish with your favorite protein, veggies, or cheese.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding pasta water or milk as needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian