Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz (225g) linguine or spaghetti.; 1 1/2 cups fresh basil leaves (40g).; 1/4 cup grated parmesan (20g).; 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts or 1/4 cup cashews.; 1 garlic clove, sliced.; 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.; 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper.; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (60ml).; 1/2 cup soft cream cheese (100g).; 1/4 cup pasta water (60ml), plus extra if needed.

A plate of spaghetti tossed in green pesto sauce, garnished with a fresh basil leaf. | lifesugar.co

Let me share my absolute favorite weeknight dinner with you creamy pesto pasta. This recipe has saved me countless times when I'm exhausted but still want something delicious on the table. In just 15 minutes (yes really!) you'll have the most comforting bowl of pasta that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant.

A close-up of creamy pasta coated in vibrant green pesto sauce. | lifesugar.co

Why This Recipe Never Fails Me

I've made this pasta more times than I can count and it never disappoints. The combination of fresh pesto and cream cheese creates this incredibly luxurious sauce that even my pickiest nephew asks for seconds. Plus it's so versatile I can adapt it to whatever I have in my fridge.

Let's Grab Our Ingredients

Fresh Basil: I grab the biggest freshest bunch I can find my garden basil makes the best pesto in summer.
Parmesan: Spring for the good stuff here it really makes a difference.
Garlic: Just one clove keeps it balanced I learned the hard way that more isn't always better.
Pine Nuts or Cashews: I usually use cashews they're cheaper and just as delicious especially when toasted.
Olive Oil: Use your best extra virgin the flavor really shines through.
Cream Cheese: This is my secret weapon for the creamiest sauce ever.
Pasta: Any shape works but I love how the sauce clings to linguine.

Making That Perfect Sauce

Whipping Up Pesto: First let's make that gorgeous green pesto. I toss everything into my food processor basil garlic nuts parmesan and oil. A few pulses and you'll have this vibrant fragrant sauce that smells like summer.
The Creamy Magic: Here's my favorite part mixing the pesto with softened cream cheese. Don't worry if it looks a bit thick we'll fix that with some pasta water later. Trust me this combination is life changing.

Pasta Perfection

Let's talk about cooking pasta the right way. Always always salt your water like the sea that's what my Italian grandmother taught me. Keep an eye on it and taste test for that perfect al dente bite. And please save some of that starchy pasta water it's liquid gold for making our sauce silky smooth.

Bringing It All Together

Now comes my favorite moment when everything comes together. I toss that hot pasta with our creamy pesto sauce adding splashes of pasta water until it's perfectly silky. Watch how the sauce coats every strand of pasta it's absolutely mesmerizing.

Mix It Up Your Way

The best thing about this recipe? How easily you can make it your own. Sometimes I swap in mascarpone for an extra indulgent twist. Lately I've been adding roasted cherry tomatoes they burst in your mouth with sweet juicy flavor. And don't even get me started on how amazing it is with grilled zucchini in summer.

A fork holds a serving of pasta coated in a green pesto sauce, with more pasta visible in the background. | lifesugar.co

Choose Your Pasta

While I'm partial to long pasta like linguine for this sauce any shape can work its magic. Sometimes I use fresh pasta when I'm feeling fancy but honestly good quality dried pasta works beautifully. Those little ridges in penne or rigatoni catch the sauce in the most delicious way.

For My Dairy-Free Friends

When my vegan friend Sarah comes over I make this with coconut cream instead of cream cheese and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. It's different but equally delicious and she says it's the best dairy free pasta she's ever had.

The Finishing Touch

Just before serving I love adding little extras that make each bowl special. A drizzle of your best olive oil some chili flakes for heat or my personal favorite toasted pine nuts for crunch. It's these little touches that make it feel restaurant worthy.

The Perfect Bite

Remember that pasta water I told you to save? Here's where it becomes crucial. I always keep it nearby while mixing everything together adding splashes until each strand is perfectly coated with that silky sauce. It's all about getting that perfect consistency.

Meal Prep Magic

This pasta has saved my weekday lunches more times than I can count. I portion it into containers and reheat it with a tiny splash of water. The sauce comes back to life beautifully and honestly sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day.

A fork lifts a serving of green pesto pasta on a white plate, garnished with cheese. | lifesugar.co

Party Perfect

Want to know my secret for stress-free entertaining? This pasta. I make a big batch garnish it with lots of fresh basil and extra parmesan and watch my guests go back for seconds and thirds. It's always the first dish to disappear at potlucks.

Feel Good Food

Not only is this pasta incredibly delicious but those fresh ingredients pack some serious nutrition too. The basil and olive oil are full of good stuff and when I'm feeling virtuous I throw in some baby spinach that wilts perfectly into the hot pasta.

Storing Your Pesto

When basil is abundant in my garden I make big batches of pesto and keep it in jars. My trick? Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing it keeps the bright green color and stops it from oxidizing. It's like having summer in a jar all year round.

Family Approved

This recipe has become such a staple in my house that my kids have started calling it Mom's Magic Pasta. It's perfect for those crazy weeknights when everyone's hungry and time is tight. Plus the leftovers make amazing lunch box pasta salad.

Make It A Meal

While this pasta is perfect on its own I love making it even more substantial. Sometimes I add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. When I'm feeling fancy I'll crisp up some prosciutto until it's like bacon bits. The possibilities are endless just follow your cravings.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making it?: Yes, you can use 1/2 cup of store-bought pesto instead of making your own. The recipe works perfectly with either homemade or store-bought pesto.
→ Why do I need to save pasta water?: The starchy pasta water helps create a smooth, creamy sauce. It helps bind the pesto and cream cheese together and helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
→ Can I substitute the pine nuts?: You can replace pine nuts with cashews in the pesto. They're less expensive and work just as well in the recipe.
→ How long can I store leftovers?: The pasta keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. While the color may fade, the flavor stays good.
→ What type of pasta works best?: You can use linguine, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer. The creamy sauce works well with all pasta types.

Conclusion

A delightful pasta recipe that combines the freshness of homemade basil pesto with the richness of cream cheese, creating a quick and satisfying meal.

Creamy Pesto Pasta