Creamy Pesto Pasta

Creamy pesto pasta is an easy weeknight recipe. Pasta is coated in a rich, luscious cream sauce made with basil pesto and done in 15 minutes.

Course Main

Cuisine International

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 704kcal

In a large pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
400 g penne pasta
Meanwhile, in a large pan heat the olive oil over medium heat and fry the garlic for 30 seconds (don't let it brown).
2 teaspoon olive oil, 2 garlic cloves
Stir in thickened cream and milk.
1 cup thickened cream, ½ cup milk
Add pesto, lemon juice and salt, stirring to combine and allowing the pesto to melt into the cream mixture.
4 tablespoon basil pesto, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon cooking salt
Bring to a simmer.
When it has thickened slightly, add in drained pasta and toss to coat it in the pesto cream sauce.

Use a different pasta if you prefer, or make this dish even faster by substituting a quick-cooking pasta like angel hair or fresh pasta from the refrigerated section of the supermarket.
Reserve some of the pasta water when you drain the pasta - this is great to use if you need to thin out the sauce at the end.
Don't forget the cream sauce will thicken as it cools.

*Please note that the amount of calories per serve is provided as a guide only, as ingredients and cooking methods can vary greatly*