Description
This Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious 30-minute meal that combines al dente penne pasta with a luscious, flavorful sauce made from pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of chili flakes. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish balances richness with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 450 g Penne pasta (uncooked)
- Salt (to taste, for pasta water)
Sauce
- 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
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot over high heat, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking, especially if you plan to store leftovers. If serving immediately, rinsing is optional.
- Prepare Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden brown, about 1-2 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and milk (or half and half), then add the pesto, chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well using a wooden spoon and allow the sauce to simmer over medium-high heat until it slightly thickens.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss and mix well to ensure all pasta pieces are coated evenly. Cook together for another 1-2 minutes on medium heat to meld the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the creamy pesto pasta hot. Enjoy your flavorful, comforting meal!
Notes
- Rinsing pasta after cooking prevents it from becoming mushy if not served immediately.
- If you want a lighter sauce, you can reduce the heavy cream or substitute with more milk.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers the best flavor compared to pre-grated options.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, 30-minute pasta recipe, quick Italian dinner, penne pasta with pesto, easy creamy pasta
