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Creamy Pesto Pasta (30-Minute Meal!)

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650
A quick and delicious pasta dish with a creamy pesto sauce, perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lbs Penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 cups Heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Milk (or half and half)
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 0.5 tsp Chili flakes
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 0.5 cup Pesto

Instructions 

  • Cook the penne in salted boiling water until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté garlic and chili flakes for 1 minute.
  • Add heavy cream and milk; simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper, then add pesto and reserved pasta water.
  • Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor and color.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $15
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta