Pesto Cream Sauce

5 from 5 votes

This delicious Pesto Cream Sauce is easy to make with rich cream, flavorful pesto and parmesan cheese. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a family friendly dinner that uses simple ingredients and comes together in less than 20 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: servings

Author: Brita Britnell

Ingredients

¾ cup heavy cream
⅓ cup water*
2 tablespoon unsalted butter
½ cup pesto sauce more as desired
½ cup shredded parmesan
Salt and pepper to taste mine did not need any additional salt but that depends on the saltiness of your pesto
12 oz pasta* any pasta will work well!

Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, mix together the cream and water. Bring to a very gentle simmer.
¾ cup heavy cream, ⅓ cup water*
Add in the butter and pesto and stir to combine. Continue to stir until the butter is melted and for 5 minutes over low heat. Stir in the parmesan and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
2 tablespoon unsalted butter, ½ cup pesto sauce, ½ cup shredded parmesan
Serve with your favorite pasta (I like to make the sauce in a large skillet so the pasta can be mixed right in) and ENJOY!
Salt and pepper to taste

Video

Notes

Pasta - I typically make this with 12oz of pasta but you could also JUST use 8oz if you want it extra saucy OR use a whole pound (16oz) for a less saucy but still delicious recipe.

Water - If you’re serving this with pasta, I like to use leftover pasta water in the cream sauce.

Storing leftovers - Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container, in the fridge for up to about 4 days.

The sauce mixed with the pasta is best served immediately. If you wait too long to serve it, the pasta tends to dry up. If your pasta gets too dry, add additional pasta cooking water to make the pasta creamier again.

Nutrition