Description
A rich and indulgent pasta dish with a smooth pesto-cream sauce, garlic, and Parmesan. Quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, this Italian-fusion recipe balances brightness and warmth.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
1/2 to 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
3/4 to 1 cup cream (heavy cream or half-and-half)
2–4 cloves garlic, minced
2–3 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pasta water
dash of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
In a large skillet, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
Stir in pesto until well blended. Add cream and Parmesan, cooking until the sauce thickens.
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Season with red pepper flakes or lemon juice, if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
For homemade pesto, blend basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan.
Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Adjust cream quantity for a lighter or richer sauce.
Serve with grilled vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 45mg