Save Elevate your pasta night with this Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta. It’s a beautifully vibrant dish that pairs the aromatic punch of fresh basil with a luscious, light cream cheese sauce, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and refreshing.
Save Perfect for a quick weekday dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch, this vegetarian-friendly recipe relies on simple, high-quality ingredients like extra-virgin olive oil, toasted pine nuts, and freshly grated Parmesan to deliver a restaurant-quality experience at home.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or fusilli, salt for pasta water.
- Pesto Sauce: 120 g (4 oz) softened light cream cheese, 40 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 40 g fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons pine nuts, 2 garlic cloves, 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, juice of 1/2 lemon.
- Garnish: Extra fresh basil leaves, additional grated Parmesan, extra pine nuts for garnish.
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, add basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
- Step 3
- Add the cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Process until smooth and creamy. If needed, add a splash of hot pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Step 4
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the cream cheese pesto sauce and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to the pasta.
- Step 5
- Divide among plates. Top with extra pine nuts, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To enhance the nutty flavor, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending to achieve the smoothest consistency for the sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For those with nut allergies, sunflower seeds can be used as a substitute for pine nuts. If you're looking for extra variety, try adding sautéed cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken. For a gluten-free meal, simply swap the penne or fusilli for your favorite certified gluten-free pasta.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the finished plates with a few extra basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs perfectly with a crisp side salad or a slice of warm crusty bread to soak up any remaining creamy sauce.
Save This Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of Italian elegance to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy your meal!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne or fusilli work best to hold the creamy pesto, but any pasta shape you prefer can be used effectively.
- → How do I toast pine nuts properly?
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn golden and fragrant.
- → Is there a way to make the sauce less thick?
Adding reserved pasta cooking water gradually helps loosen the sauce, making it smooth and easier to coat the pasta evenly.
- → Can I substitute pine nuts if allergic?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be swapped in to maintain the nutty flavor, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- → What variations can enhance this dish?
Adding sautéed cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken can provide extra flavor and protein, adjusting the dish to your taste.