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Creamy Pesto Pasta

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Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick and indulgent weeknight dinner featuring a luscious sauce made with basil pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Perfect with your favorite pasta, it’s easily customizable with proteins or vegetables and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
  • ½ cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional Add-ins: cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Reduce heat and stir in basil pesto and heavy cream. Mix until smooth.
  4. Simmer sauce for 2–3 minutes, then add cooked pasta. Toss to coat.
  5. If sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  6. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan, stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot with extra cheese or fresh basil on top if desired.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein.
  • Toss in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
  • For a vegetarian version, use rennet-free cheese pesto.
  • Avoid freezing due to separation of the cream sauce.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and pesto for a gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/creamy-pesto-pasta/