This Creamy Pesto Pasta is the ultimate quick and easy dinner, taking only 15 minutes to prepare. A twist on the classic pesto pasta, it features a creamy, luscious sauce made with homemade pesto and topped with gooey burrata and toasted pine nuts for an added crunch. This dish is perfect for any occasion, delivering both comfort and elegance in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the pesto:

  • 100g pine nuts (toasted)

  • 100g fresh basil (with extra leaves reserved)

  • 200ml olive oil

  • 1 garlic clove (optional)

  • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

  • 1/2 tbsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 70g parmesan (or a substitute like pecorino)

  • Salt, to taste

• For the pasta:

  • 200g dried casarecce (or pasta of your choice)

  • 3–4 tbsp double cream (or a substitute like mascarpone)

  • Burrata (to serve)

  • Extra toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make the pesto: In a blender, combine pine nuts, basil, garlic (if using), parmesan, lemon zest and juice, black pepper, and olive oil. Blitz until smooth. Transfer the pesto to an airtight jar and store for up to two weeks.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

3. Combine pesto and cream: In a pan, add 3 tbsp of the pesto and a little pasta water. Stir in the double cream until the sauce is as creamy as you like.

4. Toss the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well until everything is evenly coated.

5. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls, top with a ball of burrata, extra toasted pine nuts, and some fresh basil leaves.

Nutrients

While specific values can vary, here’s an approximation per serving:

• Calories: 550–650 kcal

• Fat: 40–45g

  • Saturated Fat: 10–12g

• Carbohydrates: 50–60g

  • Fiber: 3–5g

• Protein: 15–20g

• Cholesterol: 60–80mg

• Sodium: 600–800mg

The Allure of Creamy Pesto Pasta

What makes Creamy Pesto Pasta so special is the balance between the fresh, aromatic flavor of homemade pesto and the creamy, luscious texture that transforms the sauce into a rich and comforting dish. Traditional pesto pasta, with its vibrant and herby sauce, is always a hit, but adding cream brings an extra level of smoothness, making each bite feel luxurious. The pesto sauce, made from a simple blend of basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and lemon zest, is vibrant and flavorful, yet the addition of cream gives it a velvety, indulgent consistency.

The creamy pesto sauce perfectly complements the pasta, which absorbs the rich sauce beautifully. Casarecce, a short pasta with a slight twist, is an excellent choice for this dish, but you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer. To top it all off, a ball of burrata provides a decadent finishing touch, melting into the pasta and adding a layer of richness that’s hard to resist. Toasted pine nuts, added as a garnish, introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy texture of the sauce, creating a balance of flavors and textures that elevate the entire dish.

Why Make Homemade Pesto?

Pesto is an essential component of this dish, and making it from scratch is worth the extra effort. Homemade pesto is not only more flavorful than store-bought versions, but it also allows you to control the quality of the ingredients. Fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, parmesan cheese, and olive oil come together to create a bright and aromatic sauce with a depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable. The addition of lemon zest and juice adds a refreshing citrus note, while the freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.

Another reason to make pesto from scratch is its versatility. The base of the pesto can be customized to suit different tastes. You can experiment with other herbs like parsley, mint, or arugula for a unique twist, or adjust the amount of garlic depending on how bold you want the flavor to be. Plus, homemade pesto can be stored in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to two weeks, making it a convenient option for future meals.

Pasta: The Heart of the Dish

While the creamy pesto sauce is the star of the show, the pasta you choose is just as important. Casarecce, with its twisted shape, is a great option for this dish because it holds the pesto sauce exceptionally well, allowing each piece of pasta to be coated with the rich, creamy sauce. The grooves and twists of the casarecce allow the pesto to cling to the pasta, ensuring that every bite is flavorful and satisfying. However, if casarecce is not available, you can easily swap it out for another short pasta shape like fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

The key to perfectly cooked pasta is to follow the package instructions, but remember to cook it for 2 minutes less than the suggested time. This allows the pasta to remain slightly al dente, which is ideal for absorbing the creamy pesto sauce. Don’t forget to reserve a bit of pasta water before draining – this starchy water is invaluable for adjusting the consistency of your sauce and helping it adhere to the pasta.

Creamy Sauce: The Secret to Richness

The creamy pesto sauce is what takes this dish to the next level. By adding double cream (or mascarpone as a substitute), the pesto transforms from a fresh, herbaceous sauce to a smooth and indulgent one. The cream enriches the flavor without overpowering the vibrant taste of the basil and pine nuts, giving the dish a luscious, velvety consistency. Adjust the amount of cream to your liking; if you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the cream, while those who want a more decadent result can add a bit more for extra richness.

Another essential part of making the sauce is to combine the pesto with a bit of the reserved pasta water before adding the cream. This helps to loosen the pesto and allows it to blend seamlessly with the cream. You can adjust the sauce’s consistency by adding more pasta water as needed, ensuring that the sauce coats the pasta perfectly.

The Finishing Touches: Burrata and Toasted Pine Nuts

What truly sets this Creamy Pesto Pasta apart is the addition of burrata cheese and toasted pine nuts. Burrata, with its creamy interior and delicate outer shell, melts beautifully into the warm pasta, creating an extra layer of richness and flavor. The contrast between the creamy pesto sauce and the soft, gooey burrata is heavenly and adds a touch of elegance to the dish.

Toasting the pine nuts before using them as a garnish brings out their natural nuttiness, creating a crispy contrast to the creamy pasta. This small detail elevates the dish both in flavor and texture, offering a delightful crunch that complements the smoothness of the burrata and the creamy pesto sauce. Additionally, a few fresh basil leaves can be added as a garnish for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Pasta

Serving Creamy Pesto Pasta is as simple as plating it up and adding the finishing touches. Divide the pasta evenly into bowls or plates and top each serving with a ball of burrata. Sprinkle extra toasted pine nuts over the top, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. The rich, creamy sauce and the decadent burrata will make for a visually stunning dish that is sure to impress.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread, but it’s also wonderful on its own. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend treat, or even for entertaining guests. Its simplicity and elegance make it an ideal dish for a variety of occasions, and the ease with which it comes together ensures you can enjoy it any time.

Nutritional Information

While this dish is undeniably indulgent, it still provides a good balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains around 550 to 650 calories, with a substantial amount of fat (40–45g) due to the olive oil, cream, and burrata. The dish also provides 50–60g of carbohydrates, primarily from the pasta, and 15–20g of protein, which comes from the pesto’s cheese and the pasta. The 3–5g of fiber is a result of the basil, pine nuts, and pasta, offering some balance to the richness of the dish.

The dish is high in saturated fat, with 10–12g per serving, largely due to the cream and burrata, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. The sodium content is also moderate, at 600–800mg per serving, depending on the amount of salt in the pesto and the parmesan used. While it’s not the lowest-calorie option, the richness and flavors of Creamy Pesto Pasta make it a worthwhile indulgence.

Conclusion: A Quick, Elegant, and Satisfying Meal

In conclusion, Creamy Pesto Pasta is a perfect balance of speed, flavor, and elegance. The creamy pesto sauce, made with fresh ingredients and topped with burrata and toasted pine nuts, creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or serving it for a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress with its rich flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation.

The combination of creamy pesto and pasta is timeless, but the addition of burrata and pine nuts adds a unique twist that will make this dish stand out. Easy to prepare, full of flavor, and satisfying in every way, Creamy Pesto Pasta is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.