Simple Creamy Pesto for Pasta & More

Some evenings, I just want something that feels homemade without spending hours in the kitchen. A while back, I was making pasta for dinner and realized I had a small jar of pesto in the fridge, but not quite enough to coat the pasta. Instead of running to the store, I added a splash of cream, a little parmesan, and stirred it all together. The sauce turned out so rich and smooth that my family now asks for it regularly. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve put in extra effort, even though it takes only minutes to make.

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first tried a creamy pesto pasta at a small Italian restaurant while on a weekend trip. It was so simple yet comforting that I came home determined to recreate it. Over time, I adjusted the ingredients to suit my family’s taste—less garlic for my kids, more cheese for my husband, and just enough cream to make it silky.

Why Creamy Pesto Sauce

This sauce is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and works for so many dishes—not just pasta. It’s also a nice way to make a small amount of pesto go further. Plus, the cream takes away the sharpness of raw garlic, making it milder and more kid-friendly.

What is Creamy Pesto Sauce Made of?

At its core, creamy pesto sauce is just pesto, cream, and parmesan cheese. The pesto gives you that fresh basil flavor, while the cream softens and enriches it. Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish.

What to Have with Creamy Pesto Sauce

This sauce pairs beautifully with:

• Pasta (spaghetti, penne, fettuccine)
• Grilled chicken or shrimp
• Roasted vegetables
• Summer Grilled Chicken with Avocado and Balsamic Glaze
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine (One-Pan, 30-Minute Dinner)

Is Creamy Pesto Sauce Healthy?

It’s richer than plain pesto because of the cream, but it’s still made with wholesome ingredients. Using fresh pesto, real cream, and quality cheese makes a big difference. You can also make it lighter by swapping cream for milk or half-and-half.

Kitchen Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Wooden spoon or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients (Exact)

• ½ cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Creamy Pesto Sauce

1. Warm the cream – Pour cream into a small saucepan and heat over low to medium heat. Don’t let it boil—just warm it gently.
2. Add the pesto – Stir in the pesto and mix until the sauce turns a uniform green color.
3. Add the cheese – Sprinkle in the parmesan, stirring until it melts and blends into the sauce.
4. Season and serve – Taste and add salt or pepper if needed. Serve immediately over pasta, chicken, or vegetables.

Tips

• If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
• Use fresh pesto if possible—it really makes a difference in flavor.
• Warm the cream gently to avoid curdling.
• Make extra—it reheats well for a couple of days.

FAQs

Q: Can I freeze creamy pesto sauce?
A: Yes, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. Stir well when reheating.

Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
A: Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.

Q: How long will it keep in the fridge?
A: About 3–4 days in a sealed container.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use a dairy-free pesto and coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Conclusion

Creamy pesto sauce is one of those recipes that’s worth keeping in your back pocket. It’s quick, tasty, and works with so many meals. Whether you’re tossing it with pasta or drizzling it over roasted veggies, it’s the kind of sauce that makes dinner feel just a little more special without much extra work.

Servings:

4

Cooking time:

5 minutes

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~260
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 0g