Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

4 servings
This creamy pesto pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Combining fresh basil pesto with cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats perfectly cooked linguine or spaghetti. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • Linguine or spaghetti
    8 oz
  • basil leaves
    1 ½ c
  • parmesan
    ¼ c
  • pine nuts
    1 tbsp
  • garlic clove
    1
  • fine salt
    ¼ tsp
  • ground pepper
    ⅛ tsp
  • extra virgin olive oil
    ¼ c
  • pesto

    homemade or store-bought

    ½ c
  • soft cream cheese
    ½ c
  • pasta water

    plus more if needed

    ¼ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine or spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    In a food processor, combine basil leaves, grated parmesan, toasted pine nuts or cashews, sliced garlic, fine salt, ground pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Pulse until smooth and well combined.

  3. 3

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pesto and soft cream cheese until evenly blended and creamy. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a smooth, luscious sauce that coats the pasta well.

  4. 4

    Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly until evenly coated. Add additional pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

  5. 5

    Divide the creamy pesto pasta among plates or bowls. Optionally, garnish with extra grated parmesan or a few toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately while warm for best flavor.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

15 min4 servings442 cal

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