Ready for silky smooth pasta perfection? My Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce is absolutely dreamy: swirling with vibrant basil, garlic, and a luscious hint of Parmesan in every bite.

This sauce takes classic pesto and transforms it into a velvety, rich coating-thanks to the touch of cream and the right balance of flavors. The result? An irresistible combo that clings to every noodle and instantly upgrades your favorite pasta.

It's fast enough for a busy weeknight yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. If you adore bold Italian flavors mixed with creamy comfort, this is a must-try recipe!

This sauce quickly became my go-to after tasting a similar version at a cozy trattoria in Rome-I knew I had to recreate it at home.

A bowl of pasta coated in creamy pesto sauce with a sprinkle of fresh basil

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: Comes together in just 25 minutes with minimal prep and fuss.
Full of Fresh Flavor: Bursting with basil, Parmesan, and aromatic garlic for that classic pesto taste with a creamy twist.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with any pasta, and makes a great sauce for chicken, shrimp, or veggies.
Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike-perfect for family dinners or impressing guests.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Fresh Basil

This is the heart and soul of any pesto-nothing beats the bright, herbal kick of fresh basil leaves. For the most aromatic flavor, choose leaves that are vibrant green and not wilted. You can use classic Genovese basil, but sweet basil or even a mix of different varieties works well. In a pinch, you could sub in baby spinach plus a handful of basil for a milder sauce.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan brings umami depth and delicious salty notes that make the sauce incredibly savory. Freshly grated is always best-it melts smoothly and tastes so much better than pre-shredded. For a slightly nuttier flavor, try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano.

Garlic

A little fresh garlic adds bold kick and classic Italian character. Use one or two cloves, depending on how strong you like the garlic flavor. If you're sensitive to raw garlic's punch, try roasting it first or use a small pinch of garlic powder.

Heavy Cream

The secret to that signature creamy texture! Heavy cream creates a silky, luxurious base that transforms pesto into a luscious pasta sauce. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

Pine Nuts

Pine nuts deliver a buttery richness and subtle crunch that's impossible to replicate. Toast them lightly in a dry pan for maximum flavor. Can't find pine nuts? Try walnuts or cashews as a more cost-effective and equally tasty alternative.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce cooking process

Instructions for Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Blend the Pesto Base

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, salt, and lemon zest if using. Pulse a few times to chop and combine the ingredients.

With the food processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil and blend until you have a smooth, vibrant green paste. Scrape down the sides with a spatula as needed.

Make It Creamy

Transfer the pesto into a medium saucepan set over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and black pepper. Warm gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened (don't let it boil). Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Toss with Pasta

Add your just-cooked, drained pasta directly into the saucepan with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss well to coat every noodle. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling.

Serve and Enjoy

Divide the creamy pesto pasta among bowls. Finish with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Recipe Variations

Make It Vegan

Swap heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a splash of oat or cashew milk, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The sauce will still be satisfyingly creamy and totally dairy-free!

Nut-Free Option

Can't have nuts? Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a great substitute for pine nuts in pesto. The sauce will have a slightly earthier flavor but will still be delicious.

Kick Up the Heat

Love a little spice? Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Calabrian chili paste for a subtle kick.

Lighter Version

For a lighter sauce, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese, or add in a handful of steamed cauliflower for creaminess without extra fat.

Pesto with a Twist

Try swapping some of the basil for fresh arugula, baby spinach, or even cilantro for a new flavor profile. Add a bit of lemon juice for extra zing!

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy pesto sauce tossed with your favorite pasta shapes-linguine, penne, or fusilli all work beautifully. For a full meal, add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or roasted vegetables on top. Sprinkle on extra Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon, and a handful of fresh basil or microgreens before serving.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover creamy pesto pasta sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it's too thick. This sauce is best fresh, but you can freeze it (without the cream) for up to 2 months-just stir in the cream after thawing and reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce (FAQ)

Q: Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! If you're short on time, use about ¾ cup of good-quality store-bought pesto and gently heat it with cream to make a quicker sauce.

Q: Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes-blend the pesto and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but add the cream just before heating and serving for the freshest flavor.

Q: What pasta shapes work best with creamy pesto?

A: Creamy pesto clings beautifully to short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, but is also delicious with long noodles like linguine or spaghetti.

Ready to elevate your next pasta night? This Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce is luscious, easy, and full of irresistible flavor. Give it a try, snap a pic, and let me know how it turned out-don't forget to leave a comment and rating below!