Description
This Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce recipe is a quick and delicious way to elevate your pasta with a rich, flavorful sauce made from fresh basil pesto, garlic, cream, and parmesan. Prepared in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that combines the aromatic freshness of basil with a smooth, creamy texture that clings beautifully to your choice of pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup single or light cream
- 25 grams parmesan (finely grated)
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Pasta
- 200 grams pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic: Heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring a gentle sizzle. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned or burnt to maintain its delicate flavor.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the cream. Bring it to a very gentle simmer, taking care that it does not boil, to avoid curdling.
- Incorporate Parmesan: Add the finely grated parmesan in two portions, allowing each half to fully melt into the cream before adding the next, creating a smooth and rich base.
- Mix in Pesto and Seasonings: Stir in the basil pesto, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice, combining all the flavors thoroughly.
- Thicken the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it slightly thickens, intensifying the flavor and texture.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Immediately add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce. Mix well and let it bubble gently for another 1 to 2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your preferred consistency, and mix again before serving.
Notes
- You can use either single cream or light cream depending on your preference for richness.
- Choose your favorite type of pasta; short shapes like penne or fusilli work especially well for holding the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- For a vegetarian option, ensure the parmesan is free from animal rennet.
