Best Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
This is the Best Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe for a 30-minute meal, one pan, family-friendly dish with the perfect balance of cream and homemade basil pesto. This creamy pesto pasta recipe combines ziti, Pecorino Romano, and a silky pesto cream sauce for a pasta dinner that’s rich yet simple to make.
Servings: 4
Calories: 612kcal
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Large skillet for sauce
- Wooden spoon for stirring
- Cheese grater for Pecorino
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup preferably homemade
- ⅓ cup grated Pecorino Romano or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes optional
- up to ⅓ cup reserved pasta water only use if needed
- fresh basil and extra Pecorino for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ⅓ cup pasta water, then drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, stirring until warmed. Whisk in pesto, Pecorino Romano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes, letting the flavors blend.
- Add the cooked ziti to the skillet and toss to coat. Gradually stir in reserved pasta water if needed, adjusting until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Let everything heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with extra Pecorino Romano and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage Store creamy pesto pasta leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze Freezing is not recommended, since cream-based sauces tend to separate.
Reheat: When reheating creamy pesto pasta, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or water to bring the sauce back together.
Substitutions
- Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 612kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 293mg | Potassium: 269mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 914IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 1mg
