Dinner

Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) Recipe

Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450 g Penne pasta (uncooked); Salt (to taste, for pasta water); 2 tbsp Olive oil; 3 cloves Garlic (minced); 1 1/2 cups Heavy cream; 1/2 cup Milk (or half and half); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1/2 tsp Chili flakes; Salt and black pepper (to taste); 1/2 cup Pesto

ByHugo Harnd October 30, 2025October 30, 2025

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Introduction

This creamy pesto pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that you can prepare in just 30 minutes. Combining rich cream, fresh basil pesto, and al dente penne, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

A close-up view of a white scalloped bowl filled with penne pasta coated in a green pesto sauce, showing the creamy texture of the sauce clinging to the tube-shaped pasta in one layer; at the center of the dish, a small bunch of bright green fresh basil leaves sits on top as a garnish, adding a vibrant contrast to the light yellow pasta and dark green sauce. The background features a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

450 g Penne pasta (uncooked)
2 tbsp Olive oil
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
1 1/2 cups Heavy cream
1/2 cup Milk (or half and half)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1/2 tsp Chili flakes
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
1/2 cup Pesto

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over high heat, add water, salt, and the penne pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop further cooking. Skip this step if you are using all the pasta immediately.
Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and the minced garlic. Cook until the garlic is lightly golden brown, releasing its aroma.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, milk (or half and half), basil pesto, chili flakes, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well with a wooden spoon and bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy pesto sauce. Cook for another 1–2 minutes on medium heat to meld the flavors. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add cooked grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp to the pasta before tossing with the sauce.
Use half and half instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
If you like a bit more heat, increase the chili flakes to taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Fresh basil leaves sprinkled on top before serving add a nice, vibrant touch and fresh flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with about two layers of penne pasta coated in a thick green pesto sauce, making the pasta look shiny and textured. On top of the pasta, there are three fresh, bright green basil leaves placed in the middle. A silver fork is stuck into the pasta from above, its tines covered in pesto. In the background, there is a blurred bottle of golden olive oil, and in the foreground, a block of pale yellow cheese sits out of focus on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a plant-based cream and milk alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.