This creamy pesto sauce is a dream for pasta lovers! With fresh basil, garlic, and cheese, it brings a vibrant taste that’s hard to resist.
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just blend the ingredients, and you’re ready to toss it with your favorite pasta. It’s a quick meal that feels fancy! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Basil: Fresh basil is what gives this sauce its signature flavor. If you can’t find fresh, you could use store-bought pesto or add a mix of spinach and arugula for a different taste.
Parmesan cheese: This adds a nice salty and nutty flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a similar taste in a pinch.
Pine nuts: They bring a creamy texture, but if they’re hard to find, try using walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Heavy cream: While it makes the sauce rich, you can swap it for half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you’re looking for a lighter option or need it dairy-free.
How Can I Easily Blend the Sauce for a Creamy Texture?
A smooth pesto sauce depends on the proper blending technique. First, make sure your ingredients are fresh! Here’s how to achieve that creamy texture:
- Start by pulsing the basil, nuts, garlic, and cheese until finely chopped.
- With the food processor on, drizzle the olive oil slowly. This helps emulsify the oil with the other ingredients for creaminess.
- After the pesto is smooth, fold in the heavy cream carefully until combined.
Don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well mixed. Enjoy your creamy sauce with pasta for a delightful meal!
Creamy Pesto Sauce for Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (can substitute walnuts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the Creamy Element:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time. There’s no cooking involved, just blending and tossing the sauce with your cooked pasta. So, in no time, you’ll have a delicious creamy pesto pasta ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pesto:
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse a few times until everything is coarsely chopped and mixed together. You want to see small bits of each ingredient but not a puree yet.
2. Blend in the Olive Oil:
While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil in a steady stream. This will help to emulsify the oil with the other ingredients, leading to a smooth and creamy pesto. Keep blending until it’s well combined and smooth.
3. Add the Cream:
Transfer your blended pesto to a bowl. Now, stir in the heavy cream until everything is creamy and well mixed together. This will give you that rich and indulgent texture we’re after!
4. Season to Taste:
Time to make it your own! Season the pesto sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’d like, add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the flavors!
5. Combine with Pasta:
Once your pasta is freshly cooked and drained, toss it with the creamy pesto sauce while it’s still hot. This will help the sauce stick beautifully to the pasta.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy pesto pasta immediately. Feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or a few fresh basil leaves on top for some added flair. Enjoy your delicious homemade creamy pesto pasta!
FAQ
Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto Instead?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought pesto for the homemade version. Just stir in some heavy cream to make it creamy and rich, and you’ll have a quick and delicious meal!
How to Store Leftover Creamy Pesto Sauce?
Store any leftover creamy pesto sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to add it to your pasta right before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Can I Freeze This Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy pesto sauce! Just store it in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy portioning. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat and toss it with your pasta!
What Pasta Goes Best with This Sauce?
This creamy pesto sauce pairs beautifully with any pasta shape, but favorites include fettuccine, penne, or farfalle. You can also use it with zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lower-carb option!
