Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and decadent Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce. After experimenting with countless pesto recipes, I've fine-tuned this unique blend that captures the fresh, aromatic essence of basil combined with the creamy texture of heavy cream. Each bite reveals layers of flavor, from the fragrant garlic and zesty lemon to the nutty undertones of pine nuts and pistachios, all expertly ground to perfection using a mortar and pestle. This sauce pairs beautifully with hearty pasta shapes like Rusticane or Lanterne. Enjoy a comforting dinner in under an hour that's sure to impress family and friends alike!
8
Servings
459
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Lemon Zest
1 (minced)
Pine Nuts
2 tablespoons (lightly toasted, if desired)
Shelled Raw Pistachio Nuts
2 tablespoons (lightly toasted, if desired)
Basil Leaves
3 cups (fresh, packed)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup
Heavy Cream
1 cup
Parmesan Cheese
3/4 cup (grated)
Water
2/3 cup
Instructions
1
In a mortar and pestle, crush the garlic, lemon zest, salt, pistachios, and pine nuts together until you have a smooth and thick paste.
2
Transfer the paste to a blender and add 1/2 cup of the extra virgin olive oil. Blend until very smooth.
3
Add the basil leaves in batches to the blender, stopping occasionally to push the leaves down and ensure everything is blended into a smooth paste.
4
Once blended, transfer the basil pesto back into a saucepan.
5
Pour 2/3 cup of water into the blender to capture any remaining pesto stuck to the sides and blend briefly. Add this water to the saucepan with the basil paste.
6
Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring to combine the pesto and water until warmed through.
7
Once heated, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Cook gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
8
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated and creamy.
9
Serve the sauce immediately over your favorite rough pasta, such as Rusticane or Lanterne, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
26g
Fat
5g
Carbs
13g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce?
It is a rich and decadent pasta sauce that blends a traditional basil pesto base with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luxurious texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients in this sauce?
The main ingredients include fresh basil, garlic, lemon zest, pine nuts, pistachios, extra virgin olive oil, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in one serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 459 calories.
What type of pasta goes best with this creamy pesto?
Hearty and rough pasta shapes like Rusticane or Lanterne are recommended to better hold the thick sauce.
Why use a mortar and pestle for this recipe?
A mortar and pestle is used to crush the garlic, zest, and nuts into a thick, aromatic paste that forms the flavor base of the sauce.
Can I use a different type of nut?
This recipe uses a blend of pine nuts and pistachios, but you could substitute walnuts or almonds if necessary.
Do the nuts need to be toasted?
Toasting the pine nuts and pistachios is optional, but it can enhance the nutty flavor profile of the sauce.
How much basil is required for this recipe?
You will need 3 cups of fresh, packed basil leaves.
When do I add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream is stirred in after the pesto and water mixture has been warmed through in a saucepan over medium heat.
What is the purpose of adding water to the blender?
Water is added to the blender to capture any remaining pesto stuck to the sides, ensuring no sauce is wasted.
How do I incorporate the Parmesan cheese?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy dinner that can be prepared in under an hour.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 26 grams of fat in each serving.
How much protein does this sauce provide?
Each serving contains approximately 13 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
The sauce has about 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 2 minced cloves of garlic.
Does this recipe use lemon juice or zest?
This recipe specifically uses the minced zest of one lemon for a bright, aromatic citrus flavor.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the olive oil and basil into a smooth paste if a blender is not available.
Should the basil be added all at once?
It is recommended to add the basil leaves in batches to ensure they are blended into a smooth, consistent paste.
What kind of olive oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for the best flavor and quality.
Is the sauce served cold like traditional pesto?
No, this version is heated in a saucepan to incorporate the cream and cheese before serving.
How long does it take to make the sauce?
The sauce can be prepared and cooked in less than an hour.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Heavy cream provides the characteristic thickness; using milk will result in a much thinner sauce.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is the Parmesan cheese pre-grated?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which should be added at the end for maximum creaminess.
Can I use dried basil?
Fresh basil is essential for this recipe to achieve the correct flavor and vibrant green color.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
The sauce ingredients are gluten-free, though you must serve it with gluten-free pasta if you have a gluten sensitivity.
What is the texture of the finished sauce?
The finished sauce is thick, smooth, and velvety due to the combination of the pesto paste and heavy cream.