Pasta with Creamy Pesto Sauce
Whip up this creamy pesto pasta in just 20 minutes with a few simple ingredients! Tender pasta is coated in a rich, creamy pesto sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for date night. This easy dish is comfort food your whole family will love!
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
Pesto Cream Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ cup pesto sauce
- Pinch of salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste
For Serving
- 12 oz dried penne pasta gluten-free if needed
- 10 oz grape tomatoes halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dried pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Sauce
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to come to a gentle simmer, not a boil. Reduce the heat to low and gradually whisk in the parmesan cheese until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the pesto sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, or until your pasta is done cooking. Keep an eye on the sauce and stir occasionally. Taste and season the sauce with salt, black pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Bring it Together
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Gently fold in the grape tomatoes and fresh mozzarella pearls. Serve immediately.
Notes
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers should be refrigerated. You can reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed.
Feel free to add a bit more pesto sauce if you like.
