Description
A rich and creamy pesto pasta sauce made with garlic, heavy cream, basil pesto, and Parmesan cheese. This easy stovetop sauce combines classic Italian flavors into a smooth and velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with various types of pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil or Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the oil with garlic flavor.
- Add Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cream slightly thickens to create a smooth base.
- Incorporate Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Season the Sauce: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add lemon juice for brightness and red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick if desired, stirring well to combine.
- Toss with Pasta and Garnish: Toss the creamy pesto sauce with freshly cooked pasta of your choice, such as penne or fettuccine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- This sauce pairs wonderfully with penne, fettuccine, tortellini, or gnocchi.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Enhance the dish by adding sautéed chicken, shrimp, or vegetables for a heartier meal.
