Creamy Dreamy Pesto Sauce From Italy With Love and a Little Cream

Creamy Pesto Sauce My 15Minute Italian Dream

By OliviaJuly 4, 2025

Whip up the best creamy pesto sauce in just 15 minutes This easy recipe is packed with fresh basil and Parmesan Pesto pasta ideas inside youll love it ... Quick & Easy

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get that craving for something rich and flavourful? Honestly, this creamy pesto sauce is my go-to! It's bursting with fresh basil and nutty Parmesan.

Brief Overview

Pesto hails from Italy, traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan and olive oil. This version kicks it up a notch with cream.

It's an easy recipe, takes around 15 minutes and serves about 4.

Main Benefits

The basil in pesto is packed with antioxidants, making it a delicious and somewhat virtuous choice. This creamy pesto pasta recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend lunch.

What makes it special? The sheer simplicity and incredible flavour – a true Italian dream!.

Let's Talk Pesto, Baby!

So, you're probably thinking, "another pesto recipe?". You know what? This isn't just any pesto. This is creamy basil pesto sauce that will seriously blow your mind.

It's like regular pesto decided to get all dressed up and go to a fancy party. Trust me on this one, okay?

I had to put my own spin on things, after having my fair share of lackluster sauces. It tastes like liquid gold, this homemade creamy pesto .

Creamy Dreamy Pesto Sauce From Italy With Love and a Little Cream presentation

Ingredients: The Dream Team

We're talking simple but impactful. Think fresh basil (the fresher, the better, darling!), toasted pine nuts for that nutty crunch.

Don't forget garlic, proper Parmesan and extra virgin olive oil to bind it all together. For the creaminess, heavy cream (double cream if you're in the UK) and a knob of butter.

A touch of lemon brightens things up, because we're fancy like that!

I am not one for too much cleaning up. I wanted a quick, easy weeknight dinner recipes with pesto sauce .

Equipment You’ll Need

You'll need a trusty food processor or blender. You can't make pesto pasta recipes easy without one. A small saucepan for the cream.

Also, measuring cups and spoons will help you stay on track, and a wooden spoon for stirring it all up.

This creamy pesto pasta recipe is great with cream cheese!

Ingredients & Equipment: The Keys to Creamy Pesto Perfection

So, you wanna make this creamy pesto sauce , huh? Alright! Honestly, gathering the right ingredients is half the battle.

We are after Pesto Pasta Recipes Easy and here is a list of what you will need to be a pesto pasta boss.

Trust me; quality matters. Don't skimp on the basil!

Main Ingredients Deconstructed

Fresh Basil: You'll need 2 cups (60g) , packed! Look for vibrant green leaves, not wilted or spotted ones. Fresh basil is the soul of this dish. It’s the reason that Pesto Cream Pasta is so loved.
Pine Nuts: Go for 1/4 cup (30g) . Toasting them lightly amps up the flavor, seriously! Watch them carefully in a dry pan over medium heat; they burn faster than you can say "Oh my gosh!".
Garlic: 2 cloves , roughly chopped. Use fresh! Garlic powder just doesn't cut it, you know?
Parmesan Cheese: Grate 1/2 cup (50g) . Get the real stuff, not the pre-grated kind. Freshly grated is always better.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) of good quality stuff! It adds richness and flavor.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Double cream in the UK. If you're feeling virtuous, half-and-half works, but it won't be as decadent. This adds the creamy in the Homemade Creamy Pesto .
Unsalted Butter: Just 1 tablespoon (15g) . Don't skip this, it makes the cream extra luscious.
Salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Seasoning is everything, my friend!

Seasoning Notes

Forget bland! This is where the magic happens. We're talking about salt, pepper, and that cheeky squeeze of lemon juice.

It adds that little spark. It’s the secret of tasty Recipes With Pesto Sauce Dinners . Red pepper flakes add a little kick to the Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce if you're feeling adventurous.

Walnuts can substitute for the pine nuts.

Equipment Needed for Pesto Domination

You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this. Honestly, these are essentials:

Food Processor or Blender: I love my food processor. But a good blender also works, however, I prefer my food processor.
Small Saucepan: Nothing fancy, just something to heat the cream.
Measuring cups and spoons. Accurate measurements make a difference.

And for a secret Pesto Pasta Ideas : Try adding cream cheese for a richer experience, it will taste amazing like Pesto Sauce with Cream Cheese .

Creamy Dreamy Pesto Sauce: From Italy With Love (and a Little Cream!)

Honestly, this isn't your average pesto. We're elevating it, folks! Think classic Italian flavours meet luxurious creaminess. This creamy pesto sauce recipe is so easy, you'll be making it every week.

It's sophisticated comfort food that's ready in just 15 minutes. You’ll want to put it on everything, trust me.

"The measure of intelligence is the ability to change," said Albert Einstein. and this recipe proves that pesto can evolve, too!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place

First, let's get organised. Chop 2 cloves of garlic. Measure out 2 cups of basil leaves. Lightly toast 1/4 cup of pine nuts (it's optional, but seriously, do it!).

Grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan. This essential mise en place will save you time and stress. Got it? Good. You're already halfway there.

Step-by-Step: Pesto Perfection

Blitz the Base: In your food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, a pinch of sea salt, and pepper. Pulse until finely chopped. Not too much!
Drizzle Time: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Aim for a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides if you need to.
Creamy Heat: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter over low heat. Add 1 cup of heavy cream (double cream if you're fancy).
Gently heat the cream – do not boil! .
Pesto Party: Remove the cream from the heat. Add the pesto and stir. Keep stirring. Get it nicely combined.
Taste Test: Season with salt and pepper to taste. A squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice zing, optional.
Serve Toss your delicious creamy basil pesto sauce with cooked pasta, spread it on sandwiches, or dollop it on chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan.

Pesto Pro Tips for Pesto Pasta Ideas

Don't over-process the pesto . You want texture.
If you are looking for dinner recipes with pesto sauce , try adding grilled chicken or fish. Recipes with pesto sauce dinners never tasted so good!
If you want to make-ahead this pesto cream pasta , prepare the pesto separately. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add it to the heated cream just before serving. That's a perfect easy creamy pesto recipe .

This creamy pesto recipe? Absolute winner. Give it a whirl and tell me what you think. I’m sure you'll like this alternative to the homemade creamy pesto !

Recipe Notes: Creamy Pesto Perfection

Right then, you've got the recipe for my dreamy creamy pesto sauce . Honestly, it's a game-changer. Now, let's dive into some tips, tricks, and variations to make this dish truly yours .

Consider this a friendly natter about maximizing flavour and minimizing faff!

Serving It Up Like a Pro

Plating and presentation ideas are key. Don't just chuck it in a bowl. Twirl your pesto cream pasta elegantly. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a fresh basil leaf screams "Michelin star".

Well, almost. Pesto pasta ideas for sides include a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

As for drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would be spot on. Or even a refreshing homemade lemonade!

Storage Savvy

Refrigeration guidelines are simple. Store any leftover creamy pesto sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It'll happily keep for about three days.

For longer storage, freezing options are a great shout. Portion it into ice cube trays for easy use later or freeze in a freezer bag.

When you're ready to use it, defrost overnight in the fridge. Reheating instructions – gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Add a splash of milk if it seems a bit thick.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Got dietary needs? No worries! For a dietary adaptation , try swapping the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative, like cashew cream.

Boom, dairy-free! If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore seasonal ingredient swaps . In autumn, roast some butternut squash and stir it into the homemade creamy pesto .

It adds a lovely sweetness and earthiness.

Nutrition: The Good Stuff

Let's be real, this isn't exactly health food. The simplified nutrition information is roughly 450 calories per serving. But hear me out! Basil is packed with antioxidants.

Olive oil is full of healthy fats. Cheese? Well, cheese is just delicious.

Honestly, making the pesto pasta recipe easy is simple! This creamy basil pesto sauce is all about indulgence and flavour.

This pesto sauce with cream cheese recipe, or even without, is truly amazing. So, get in the kitchen. Have a go, and let me know what you think.

Experiment and enjoy. It's all about having fun! Don't be intimidated by this easy creamy pesto recipe – you've got this! If you are in need of dinner recipes with pesto sauce , this is the one.

Even if you are just looking for recipes with pesto sauce dinners , this is simple, fast and a crowd pleaser.

Delicious Pesto Cream Pasta The ULTIMATE 15Minute Italian Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make creamy pesto sauce ahead of time?

You can indeed! The pesto itself can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. However, it's best to add the cream right before serving to maintain the sauce's luscious texture. Think of it like brewing a cuppa; best enjoyed fresh!

What's the best way to store leftover creamy pesto sauce?

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 3-4 days. You might notice a slight separation when you reheat it; just give it a good stir and it'll be right as rain. Avoid freezing as the cream can become grainy upon thawing – nobody wants that!

I'm allergic to pine nuts, what can I use instead in this creamy pesto sauce recipe?

No worries, mate! Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are excellent substitutes for pine nuts, and will still provide a nice texture and subtle nutty flavor. Walnuts are another classic substitute if you can tolerate them. Just remember to toast them lightly for the best flavour, just like you would with pine nuts.

Can I make this creamy pesto sauce lighter, and what are the nutritional considerations?

Absolutely! For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even full-fat milk. This will reduce the fat content considerably. Nutritionally, remember that pesto is relatively high in fat due to the olive oil and nuts, but it's also packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the basil and garlic. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet – like a cheeky Nandos!

My creamy pesto sauce is too thick, how can I thin it out?

Easy peasy! Add a tablespoon or two of pasta water (the water you cooked your pasta in) to the sauce and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can add a splash of milk or cream. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling to the pasta beautifully.

Is it possible to make a vegan version of this creamy pesto sauce?

Definitely! For a vegan version, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast, which has a cheesy, nutty flavour. You'll also need to use a plant-based cream alternative, such as cashew cream or oat cream. These swaps will give you a delicious, creamy vegan pesto that even Mary Berry would be impressed by!