If you love dishes that come together quickly without skimping on flavor, then this Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight go-to. Creamy, vibrant, and packed with that fresh, herbaceous punch of basil pesto, this dish offers a luscious twist on traditional pasta that feels both comforting and delightfully indulgent. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s the perfect way to impress friends or simply enjoy a cozy dinner at home without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. These essentials work together effortlessly to deliver a creamy, herb-forward sauce that coats the pasta in every bite.
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta: Rigatoni works wonderfully here because its ridges catch the sauce, but any pasta shape you love will do.
- 1 cup pesto: Use your favorite homemade or jarred basil pesto; its bright, aromatic flavor is the star of the show.
- 1 cup heavy or whipping cream: This adds a rich, silky texture that transforms the pesto into a luscious sauce.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors, but remember to taste first—pesto can already be salty.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top adds a nutty, salty finish that elevates the dish beautifully.
How to Make Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Al Dente
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cooking it al dente ensures that it maintains a satisfying bite, which perfectly complements the creamy pesto sauce. Follow your package instructions closely because overcooked pasta can become mushy when tossed with sauce.
Step 2: Simmer Pesto and Cream
While the pasta cooks, pour the pesto and cream into a skillet over medium heat. Stir them together gently, allowing the cream to mellow the pesto’s intensity while thickening into a velvety sauce. Keep an eye on it for about 5 to 7 minutes—if it thickens too much, a splash of reserved hot pasta water will loosen it back up, making it luxuriously smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, drain it and immediately add it to the skillet with your thickened sauce. Toss everything to make sure each piece of pasta is lovingly coated. Season lightly with salt and pepper, tasting as you go since pesto’s saltiness can vary. Finish with freshly grated parmesan right before serving for an irresistible touch.
How to Serve Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your pesto pasta brings an extra level of freshness and texture. Consider a handful of toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh basil leaves to enhance the herbal flavors. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few cherry tomato halves will add a vibrant pop of color and brightness that is just delightful.
Side Dishes
This Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides that won’t overpower it. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini make perfect companions. For a heartier meal, crusty garlic bread is always a winner to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or some grilled shrimp. You can also turn this dish into a light baked casserole by layering the pesto pasta with mozzarella and baking until bubbly and golden on top. Presentation is super simple but can be personalized to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (though that rarely happens), store your pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cream-based sauce may thicken as it cools, so a quick stir and gentle warming before serving helps restore its delicious texture.
Freezing
Freezing pesto pasta with cream can cause separation and affect texture, so it’s best to avoid freezing this particular dish. Instead, freeze plain pesto or cooked pasta separately if you want to prep ahead and combine fresh each time.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from curdling. Adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water while warming will bring back the sauce’s smooth, silky consistency. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it may heat unevenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap rigatoni for penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti—anything that holds sauce well will taste great.
Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?
Homemade pesto tends to be fresher and more vibrant, but quality store-bought pesto works perfectly here, especially when you’re short on time. Choose one with simple ingredients for the best flavor.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture, but you can substitute whole milk if needed. It will be lighter and less creamy, so consider adding a bit of butter or cream cheese to mimic the richness.
How can I make this dish vegan?
Use a dairy-free cream alternative, like coconut cream or cashew cream, and swap parmesan for vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Your Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe will still be flavorful and indulgent.
What if my pesto is too salty?
Since some jarred pestos can be salty, it’s wise to taste before seasoning with salt. You can balance saltiness by stirring in a bit more cream or tossing with extra pasta to mellow the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about how this Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe comes together so quickly yet delivers extraordinary flavor that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding friends, this creamy pesto pasta is a wonderful way to enjoy fresh basil and comfort food in one dish. Give it a try and see how this simple, satisfying meal becomes an instant favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This easy pesto pasta recipe combines al dente rigatoni with a creamy, flavorful pesto sauce made by simmering pesto and cream together. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and comforting weeknight dinner that can be customized with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked rigatoni pasta
- Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and add the rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 12-14 minutes. Drain the pasta once cooked, reserving a small cup of the pasta water.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the pasta cooks, pour the pesto and heavy cream into a skillet over medium heat. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to thin it out.
- Toss and Season: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. Taste and season with salt and pepper carefully, since the pesto can already be salty.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—it helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Jarred pesto varies in saltiness; season your dish lightly with salt to avoid over-salting.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce may be less rich.
- Try freshly cracked black pepper instead of ground for a bit more aroma.
- This recipe pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
