Creamy pesto pasta is a flavorful and easy dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. With its creamy, herby, and savory flavors, it's perfect for busy evenings.

Why This Recipe Works

Use leftover pasta - An excellent way to repurpose leftover pasta.

Quick and easy - The entire dish is ready in just 30 minutes.

Budget-friendly - Feeds a family of 4-5 without breaking the bank.

Creamy texture - Packed with indulgent, flavorful goodness.

Simple ingredients - Uses pantry staples easily found in any grocery store.

Creamy Pesto Pasta | Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana

Video by Sanjeev Kapoor Khazana

Ingredients

450 g Penne pasta (uncooked)

2 tbsp Olive oil

3 cloves Garlic (minced)

1 ½ cups Heavy cream

½ cup Milk or half-and-half

½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

½ tsp Chili flakes

Salt and black pepper (to taste)

½ cup Pesto

Preparation Tips

Pasta - Penne is recommended, but any pasta variety can be used.

Garlic - Fresh garlic delivers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated options.

Pesto - Store-bought or homemade pesto works well.

Heavy cream and milk - Ensure a creamy consistency.

Parmesan cheese - Freshly grated for the best flavor.

Salt and pepper - Adjust to taste.

Instructions

Dear Lykkers. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. (Skip this step if using leftover pasta.)

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until lightly golden.

Add milk, pesto, heavy cream, salt, chili flakes, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir well and simmer.

Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is coated with the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes on medium heat.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Salted pasta water - Enhances the pasta's flavor.

Cook to al dente - Keeps the pasta firm and prevents sogginess.

Cold water rinse - Stops overcooking and keeps pasta fresh.

Fresh ingredients - Elevates the dish's flavor profile.

Pasta water - Set aside some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Custom additions - Add cooked chicken, shrimp, broccoli, or spinach for variety.

Storing

Refrigeration - Keep in an airtight container and store for up to 3 days.

Freezing - Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Microwave - Heat in small portions.

Oven - Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes until bubbly.

Consistency - Add milk or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

Substitutions

Vegan - Use plant-based cream and Parmesan.

Gluten-free - Opt for gluten-free pasta.

Whole-grain - Use chickpea, quinoa, or brown rice pasta.

Variations

Pesto - Try sun-dried tomato, spinach, or red pepper pesto.

Chicken - Add cooked or shredded chicken for extra protein.

Seasoning - Experiment with Italian seasoning, paprika, or onion powder.

Extra creamy - Stir in cream cheese for a richer texture.

Enjoy this creamy pesto pasta as a quick, satisfying meal that's versatile enough for any occasion!