6-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Pasta

Veggie • 15 Min • Comfort

This creamy pesto pasta is rich, herbaceous, and comes together in just 15 minutes with only six simple ingredients. The sauce is luxuriously silky without being heavy, making it a perfect weeknight comfort dish that still feels special.

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• ⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt & black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: fresh basil, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes

• Extra Parmesan
• Side salad or garlic bread

1. Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

2. Make the creamy pesto sauce

In a skillet over medium heat, stir together pesto, cream, and Parmesan until smooth and lightly bubbling.

3. Combine & coat

Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, adding splashes of pasta water until the sauce becomes glossy and clings beautifully.

4. Season & brighten

Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and optional lemon zest for added freshness.

5. Serve

Plate immediately. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

• Prep Time: 3 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon or tongs
• Grater

• Light version: Replace cream with evaporated milk or half-and-half.
• Vegan swap: Use coconut milk + vegan pesto + nutritional yeast.
• Protein boost: Add chicken, salmon, shrimp, or chickpeas.
• Greens boost: Stir in spinach or arugula with the hot pasta.
• Pesto options: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto for variation.

• Refrigerator: Up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm gently with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce
• Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauces tend to separate)

• Only 6 ingredients
• Ready in 15 minutes
• Rich, creamy, comforting, and bright
• Easily customizable
• Reliable crowd-pleaser

You may also enjoy our 8-Ingredient Thai Coconut Curry, try the Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, or go for an Easy Creamy Mushroom Pasta.