Dreamy Creamy Pasta Recipe with Basil, Pesto, and Parmesan Recipe
Introduction
This dreamy creamy pasta combines fresh basil pesto with rich cream cheese, creating a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Quick and simple, it’s a fantastic weeknight meal that feels indulgent yet fresh.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 grams) linguine or spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shapes)
- 1 ½ cup (40 grams) basil leaves
- ¼ cup (20 grams) grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (or ¼ cup cashews)*
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120 grams) pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup (100 grams) soft cream cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts (or cashews), garlic, parmesan, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to make a fresh pesto.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the pesto with the soft cream cheese until creamy and well combined.
- Step 4: Toss the hot cooked pasta with the creamy pesto mixture, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen and create a silky sauce.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with extra parmesan or toasted nuts if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, toast pine nuts or cashews lightly in a dry pan before blending.
- Substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter texture.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
- Mix in cooked cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables.
Storage
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore creaminess if needed. This pasta is best enjoyed fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well and saves time. Just make sure it’s good quality for the best flavor, and mix it thoroughly with the cream cheese to achieve the creamy texture.
What type of pasta works best with this creamy pesto sauce?
Long pasta like linguine or spaghetti is classic and holds the sauce nicely, but feel free to use any shape you prefer. Shorter pasta like penne or fusilli also works well, catching the sauce in their curves.
PrintDreamy Creamy Pasta Recipe with Basil, Pesto, and Parmesan Recipe
This Dreamy Creamy Pasta recipe combines fresh basil pesto, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked linguine to create a luscious, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy pasta lovers. The silky smooth sauce made from pesto, cream cheese, and pasta water coats each strand of pasta beautifully, delivering a rich and aromatic experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225 grams) Linguine or spaghetti (or your favorite pasta shapes)
Sauce
- 1 ½ cup (40 grams) basil leaves
- ¼ cup (20 grams) grated parmesan
- 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (or ¼ cup cashews)
- 1 garlic clove, sliced
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup (120 grams) pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup (100 grams) soft cream cheese
- ¼ cup (60 ml) pasta water, plus more if needed
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve ¼ cup of pasta water and drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, grated parmesan, toasted pine nuts (or cashews), sliced garlic, salt, pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until smooth to make a fresh pesto.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pesto, soft cream cheese, and reserved pasta water until a creamy, smooth consistency forms. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick to achieve a silky texture.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy pesto sauce and toss well to coat every strand evenly. Ensure the pasta is warm so the sauce clings nicely.
- Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan or toasted nuts if desired and enjoy your dreamy, creamy pasta dish fresh.
Notes
- You can use store-bought pesto to save time or make your own fresh pesto for a more vibrant flavor.
- To toast pine nuts, gently heat them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- If you prefer a nuttier taste, substitute pine nuts with cashews as listed.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water when mixing the sauce to get your preferred sauce consistency.
- This recipe works well with various pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese and parmesan with plant-based alternatives and ensure pesto ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Keywords: creamy pasta, basil pesto, linguine recipe, easy Italian pasta, creamy pesto pasta, vegetarian pasta dish
