Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450 g Penne pasta (uncooked); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream; 1/2 cup Milk (or half and half); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 tsp Chili flakes; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup Pesto

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a weeknight staple that feels a bit fancy but takes barely any time, Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) is your new go-to. This dish is the ultimate comfort food where silky strands of al dente pasta get tossed in a decadent pesto-kissed sauce—surprisingly effortless, endlessly customizable, and always crowd-pleasing. Every ingredient shines, from fragrant basil pesto and nutty Parmesan to a silky ribbon of cream. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, expect lots of smiles (and requests for seconds) at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s something magical about the simplicity of these ingredients—they’re each essential, creating a creamy, flavorful, and vibrant dish in almost no time at all. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters.

Penne pasta: The ridges hold onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite loaded with flavor.
Olive oil: Gives the garlic a luscious sizzle and adds richness right from the start.
Garlic: Freshly minced, it infuses the entire dish with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Heavy cream: This is where all the creamy magic happens, turning the sauce into pure silk.
Milk (or half and half): Balances out the cream for just the right texture—velvety but not too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts in and adds a salty, umami punch.
Chili flakes: Just a touch wakes up the flavors with a gentle kick.
Salt and black pepper: The classic finishing duo so everything sings.
Pesto: The star! Use a good-quality basil pesto for vibrant flavor, or try homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!)

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a big, happy pot of salted water at a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and let it cook until it’s perfectly al dente—which usually just means the pasta still has a bit of bite. Follow your package instructions closely; timing can vary by brand. Salting the water is key because it flavors the pasta from the inside out.

Step 2: Drain and Cool

Once the pasta is ready, drain it and rinse briefly with cold water, especially if you’re not tossing it immediately with the sauce. This stops the cooking process and keeps those penne tubes from turning mushy. If you’re using leftover pasta, skip this rinse to preserve texture.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, warm up the olive oil over medium heat. Add the freshly minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, keeping a close eye so it doesn’t burn. As soon as you get that intoxicating garlic aroma and see the slightest golden edge, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and milk (or half and half) into your skillet with the garlic. Stir in the pesto, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and a generous handful of grated Parmesan. Stir well using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. Let the sauce gently bubble on medium-high heat until it starts to thicken and coats the back of your spoon. Don’t rush it—this is where all those flavors meld.

Step 5: Toss Pasta with Sauce

Add the cooked penne to the creamy pesto sauce. Give everything a good toss so the pasta is completely wrapped in that dreamy, fragrant sauce. Let it all cook together for another minute or two so the flavors can marry. Serve your Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) piping hot, sprinkled with more Parmesan if you’d like. Enjoy every glorious forkful!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!)

Garnishes

This dish loves a little extra flair! Try more freshly grated Parmesan for a salty bite, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or even a few fresh basil leaves to echo the pesto. A drizzle of good olive oil over the top never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) plays nice with simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or some blistered cherry tomatoes bring welcome brightness. Warm garlic bread for dunking in extra sauce is a must if you’re a carb-lover at heart.

Creative Ways to Present

This pasta can be dished up family-style for easyweeknight comfort, but if you want to get fancy, twirl it onto plates with kitchen tongs and top each portion with a chiffonade of basil, a sprinkle of chili flakes, and a final grating of Parmesan. Serving in shallow bowls really shows off the creamy, glossy sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!)? No problem. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors get even bolder overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch a true treat.

Freezing

While this pasta is best fresh, you can absolutely freeze it for convenience. Let it cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about one month—just allow enough time to thaw in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For creamy dreamy results, gently rewarm your pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. If using the microwave, cover and stir halfway through to ensure it heats evenly. Top with fresh Parmesan to revive the magic!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?

Absolutely! Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) works just as well with fusilli, rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. The key is choosing a shape that holds onto plenty of that luscious sauce.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or gluten-free?

Yes! The base recipe is already vegetarian, and for a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Always check your pesto to make sure it doesn’t contain cheese with animal rennet if you’re vegetarian.

What kind of pesto should I use?

For Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!), classic basil pesto is ideal, but you can absolutely experiment—try sun-dried tomato or arugula-walnut pesto for new flavor twists. Store-bought works, but homemade will make the dish even more special.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

Definitely! Swap out some or all of the heavy cream for half and half or even whole milk. Keep in mind, the sauce will be less rich but still incredibly tasty. You can also increase the amount of milk and reduce the cream for a lighter version.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Of course—you can turn Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) into a heartier meal by adding grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted vegetables. Stir them in just before serving for a delicious, complete dinner in minutes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall in love with dinner all over again, Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) is calling your name. With its rich, herby flavor and effortless prep, this is one of those recipes you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and make it your own—it might just become your new favorite comfort food.

Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a delightful creamy pesto pasta dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines the richness of heavy cream with the bold flavors of garlic, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce that perfectly coats each penne noodle.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

450 g Penne pasta (uncooked)

Sauce:

2 tbsp Olive oil
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
1/2 cup Milk (or half and half)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 tsp Chili flakes
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup Pesto

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Sauté Garlic: In a skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until golden brown.
Make the Sauce: Add heavy cream, milk, pesto, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well-coated. Cook briefly, then serve.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian