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–+ servings
Serine milo

Creamy Pesto Pasta

This creamy pesto pasta combines classic basil pesto with rich cream cheese and milk to create a velvety, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. Ready in under 20 minutes, it's the perfect comfort food for weeknights — cozy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
  • 0.5 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 3 oz cream cheese
  • 0.5 cup milk (or half-and-half)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan
  • salt & black pepper to taste
  • optional: reserved pasta water for thinning
  • optional: baby spinach
  • optional: grilled chicken or tofu

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • strainer
  • measuring cups

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, warm milk in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  4. Stir in the pesto and simmer until combined.
  5. Drain pasta and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  6. Add pasta to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
  7. Use reserved water to adjust consistency as needed.
  8. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 11gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 1.3mg

Notes

Use fresh basil pesto for best flavor. Substitute milk with half-and-half or cream for extra richness. Stir in baby spinach for added greens. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of milk. For a protein boost, top with grilled chicken or crispy tofu.
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