Creamy Pesto Pasta

Corkscrew pasta covered in creamy pesto in a pale pink bowl.

Bright, fresh pasta is just what we need this summer. This Creamy Pesto Pasta only requires three ingredients and is done in less than 20 minutes.

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We love an easy recipe for hot summer days and this creamy pesto pasta totally checks off all the boxes. Easy to find ingredients, minimal effort and tons of flavor.

If you love pesto, you definitely need to try this one. You can start with your favorite homemade pesto or grab a jar from the store. Honestly, I prefer the jarred stuff for ease.

Creamy pesto pasta on a fork. Fork leaning on the edge of a pale pink bowl.

Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Pasta

This recipe is as simple as it gets. We’re talking three ingredients. And you’re going to be able to find them anywhere. Here’s what you need to grab:

  • Pasta: I prefer a short cut pasta with pesto sauce but feel free to use whatever your love. Rotini, shells, elbows, linguine, anything will work.
  • Pesto: While you’re in the pasta aisle, grab a jar of premade pesto.
  • Heavy cream: This is what gives the pasta its creamy factor. It also adds richness to the dish. If you want it creamier, feel free to add a little more than the recipe states.
Straight down shot of pesto pasta.

Prepare the Sauce

Start by getting your pasta cooking. While it’s boiling away, throw together the sauce.

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Make sure it’s large enough to fit the pasta. Add the pesto and bring it to a simmer.

Drizzle in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a small simmer. Cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes.

Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss around until it’s fully coated with the sauce.

And that’s it folks. Told you it was easy.

Pale pink bowl filled with pesto pasta.

Warm or Cold

The great thing about this recipe is that you can enjoy it warm or cold. That makes it great for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues or lunch boxes.

It would make a great option for meal prep with some grilled chicken as well.

Fork of creamy pesto pasta leaning on a pale pink bowl filled with pasta.

More Easy Pasta Dishes

Corkscrew pasta covered in creamy pesto in a pale pink bowl.
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Creamy Pesto Pasta

Bright, fresh pasta is just what we need this summer. This Creamy Pesto Pasta only requires three ingredients and is done in less than 20 minutes.
Active Time15 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: creamy pesto pasta
Yield: 4 servings
Author: Meghan Payne-Hensley

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta of choice
  • 1/2 cup jarred pesto
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water. Cook pasta according to package directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add pesto and heavy cream. Whisk together and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add drained pasta and stir to coat well. Cook in the sauce for another minute then serve.

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