15-Minute Creamy Pesto Pasta
A quick and indulgent creamy pesto pasta recipe ready in just 15 minutes. Made with butter, garlic, cream, pesto, and parmesan, it’s a versatile weeknight dinner option that can be paired with chicken, shrimp, or kept vegetarian. Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Equipment
- 1 Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- 1 large skillet (for sauce)
- Tongs (for mixing pasta with sauce)
Ingredients
- ½ pound pasta
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic finely minced or grated
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup pesto
- ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta Water: Fill a large pot with enough water to comfortably boil your pasta, usually about 6–8 cups.Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, season the water generously with kosher salt—it should taste slightly salty like the sea. The salt enhances the pasta’s flavor from the inside out.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta of your choice to the boiling water. Stir immediately to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce, so slightly undercooking is ideal.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Base: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat.Add the butter to the pan and allow it to melt slowly. Once melted, add the finely minced or grated garlic. Sauté the garlic gently for 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly. The goal is to release the aroma without browning the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
- Build the Creamy Pesto Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk into the skillet with the garlic butter. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to warm for about 1 minute. Add the pesto next, folding it into the cream mixture until fully incorporated. Keep the heat on low to medium-low—this ensures the sauce thickens gradually without scorching.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, creamy texture. Taste the sauce and add a pinch of kosher salt if needed. At this stage, the sauce should be smooth, rich, and aromatic, perfectly coating the pasta.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Using tongs, carefully transfer the cooked pasta directly from the pot into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each strand is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a small splash of pasta water gradually to loosen it to your preferred consistency. This step helps the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Adjust Seasoning and Taste: Taste a small bite of pasta to check for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or a little extra parmesan cheese if desired. This is the moment to fine-tune the flavors so every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the creamy pesto pasta onto serving plates while it’s hot. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, a light drizzle of olive oil, or freshly cracked black pepper.For a pop of color and freshness, add sliced cherry tomatoes or fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most flavorful.
Notes
- Use any pasta you love—fettuccine, spaghetti, penne, or gluten-free alternatives all work well.
- Freshly grated garlic gives the best flavor; avoid pre-minced jars if possible.
- Add cooked protein like chicken, shrimp, or sausage to make it a hearty meal.
- Keep a splash of pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency.
- Garnish creatively with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter, cream with plant-based cream, and parmesan with dairy-free cheese.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest texture; leftovers can be reheated with a little added liquid.
