Name: Pesto Cream Sauce over Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ¾ cup heavy cream; ⅓ cup water; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup pesto sauce (more as desired); ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 12 oz pasta (any variety works well)

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Introduction

This creamy pesto sauce is a quick and flavorful way to elevate any pasta dish. Rich and smooth, it combines the freshness of pesto with the indulgence of cream for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

A large white pot with purple handles is filled with a creamy pasta dish made of farfalle noodles coated evenly in a pale green pesto sauce with specks of herbs. The sauce gives the pasta a smooth, slightly glossy texture. On top of the pasta, several fresh green basil leaves are placed as garnish, adding a bright contrast to the creamy sauce and the light yellow noodles. The pot sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup water*
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup pesto sauce (more as desired)
½ cup shredded parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz pasta* (any pasta will work well!)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and water. Bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer.
Step 2: Add the butter and pesto sauce to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter has melted, then cook for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Stir in the shredded parmesan and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Cook your preferred pasta according to package instructions, then mix it directly into the sauce in the skillet for even coating.
Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious pesto cream pasta!

Tips & Variations

Use homemade pesto or store-bought to save time—adjust salt levels accordingly as some pestos can be saltier.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to boost flavor and nutrition.
Reserve some pasta water before draining and add a splash to the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Storage

Store leftover pesto cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separating. You may need to add a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce when reheating.

How to Serve

A large round purple pot filled with one layer of creamy pesto farfalle pasta, the light green sauce coating each pasta piece evenly with small flecks of herbs. On top, four bright green basil leaves are placed in small clusters. The pot sits on a white marbled surface showing some sauce remnants along the pot's inner edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this sauce with other pasta types?

Yes, this pesto cream sauce works well with any pasta shape, from spaghetti to penne or farfalle. Choose your favorite or whatever you have on hand.

Is it necessary to add water to the cream?

The water helps thin out the heavy cream slightly to create a smoother sauce that coats pasta well, but you can adjust the amount or omit it based on your preferred sauce consistency.