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Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.4 from 1 review

This Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful Italian-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring a luscious blend of basil pesto, heavy cream, and sautéed garlic and tomatoes, this pasta offers a rich and comforting meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan and aromatic basil, it’s sure to please the whole family.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

  • 16 oz. linguine, cooked al dente

For Garnish

  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil and garlic: In a large pan over medium-low heat, warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, cooking while stirring frequently for about 30 seconds to release the flavors without burning the garlic.
  2. Add tomatoes and water: Toss in the halved grape tomatoes and 1/4 cup water. Continue to cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the tomatoes to soften and start releasing their juices.
  3. Combine cream and pesto: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup basil pesto. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
  4. Add the linguine: Add the cooked linguine to the pan, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly with the creamy pesto sauce.
  5. Heat through: Return the pan to medium-low heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the pasta is heated through and the flavors meld together.
  6. Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a delicious finishing touch. Enjoy immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Make sure to cook the linguine al dente to keep a firm bite that complements the creamy sauce.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but the sauce may be less rich.
  • If fresh basil isn’t available for garnish, dried basil can be sprinkled but fresh is recommended for best flavor.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end for salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of the pesto and Parmesan.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

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