Looking for a taste sensation that will elevate your meals to the next level? Look no further than creamy pesto cream sauce! This versatile and flavorful condiment is a game-changer in any kitchen. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast, a lover of seafood, or just looking for a new twist on an old favorite, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 delicious recipes that feature creamy pesto cream sauce as the star of the show. From classic combinations like garlic parmesan and sun-dried tomato to more adventurous pairings with roasted red peppers and spicy arrabbiata, there’s something for everyone in our list. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to inspire your next meal.
Garlic Parmesan Pesto Cream Sauce Pasta
Transform your pasta dishes with this rich and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Pesto Cream Sauce. This recipe combines the classic Italian flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and basil pesto with a creamy sauce for an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta of your choice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup basil pesto
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Stir in basil pesto and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta, sauce, and reserved pasta water (if needed). Toss to coat evenly.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cream Sauce with Chicken
Elevate your pasta dishes or grilled chicken with this rich and flavorful sauce. Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of savory sweetness, while pesto creaminess brings it all together.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil and chopped
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto (or store-bought)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Grill or bake until cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
4. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and stir to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
5. Serve chicken with warm Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cream Sauce spooned on top. Garnish with parsley or basil, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Cream Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pesto Cream Sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup artichoke hearts (canned or marinated), drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons pesto
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, and mayonnaise. Blend until smooth.
2. Add pesto and blend until well combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and add heavy cream. Whisk over medium heat until warm and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce with Shrimp
Elevate your pasta dishes or use as a dip, this creamy basil pesto sauce with shrimp is a flavorful and easy-to-make condiment.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Instructions:
1. In a food processor or blender, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Process until the mixture is well combined and slightly chopped.
2. Add Parmesan cheese and process until smooth.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in olive oil through the top. Process until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook shrimp in a skillet with a little oil until pink and just cooked.
6. Combine cooked shrimp with pesto sauce and serve over pasta or as a dip.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Cream Sauce
Roasted Red Pepper Pesto Cream Sauce: Elevate your pasta dishes with this rich and creamy sauce, featuring the sweet and smoky flavor of roasted red peppers.
Ingredients:
– 2 large red bell peppers
– 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the red peppers on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until skin is blistered and charred.
2. Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool down. Peel off the skin, discard seeds, and place the roasted flesh into a blender or food processor.
3. Add Parmesan cheese, garlic, and heavy cream to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in chopped basil leaves if desired.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pesto Alfredo Cream Sauce with Fettuccine
Elevate your pasta game with this indulgent yet easy-to-make recipe, combining the bright flavors of pesto with the richness of alfredo.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz fettuccine
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup freshly made pesto
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente, then reserve.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let cook 5-7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Remove from heat and whisk in pesto.
5. Combine cooked fettuccine with sauce, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mushroom and Pesto Cream Sauce
This rich and creamy sauce is a perfect accompaniment to pasta, chicken, or vegetables. With the earthy flavor of mushrooms and the vibrant taste of pesto, this sauce will elevate any dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Stir in pesto and heavy cream. Bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce thicken slightly, about 5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Garlic Pesto Cream Sauce with Salmon
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your salmon dish with this creamy and aromatic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup pesto
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together pesto, heavy cream, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Spoon the sauce evenly over each salmon fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Arrabbiata Pesto Cream Sauce
This creamy sauce combines the spicy kick of arrabbiata sauce with the rich flavor of pesto, perfect for pasta dishes or as a dip.
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup pesto
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine pesto, heavy cream, olive oil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
This Spicy Arrabbiata Pesto Cream Sauce is ready in no time and adds a burst of flavor to your favorite pasta dishes or as a dip for bread or vegetables. Enjoy!
Creamy Avocado Pesto Sauce
Elevate your pasta dishes with this creamy and flavorful sauce that combines the richness of avocados with the brightness of basil. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a special occasion treat.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions:
1. Peel and pit the avocados and place them in a blender or food processor.
2. Add the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the blender.
3. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
4. With the blender running, slowly pour in the olive oil until fully incorporated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Cooking Time: None! This sauce is ready to use straight away.
Pesto Cream Sauce with Grilled Vegetables
Elevate your summer meals with this vibrant and flavorful pesto cream sauce, perfectly paired with grilled vegetables. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Assorted grilled vegetables (such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Blend until smooth.
2. Add heavy cream and blend until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Grill assorted vegetables until tender.
6. Toss grilled vegetables with pesto cream sauce.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce Stuffed Shells
Elevate your pasta game with these creamy, flavorful shells filled with a vibrant pesto sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto cream sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, basil, garlic, and salt. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the cheese mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Drizzle pesto cream sauce over the stuffed shells, making sure they’re evenly coated.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Creamy Pesto Sauce with Gnocchi
Combine the flavors of Italy with this simple recipe for creamy pesto sauce served over tender gnocchi. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked gnocchi
– 1/2 cup freshly made pesto sauce (see below)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Pesto Sauce Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh basil leaves
– 1/3 cup pine nuts
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine pesto sauce and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add cooked gnocchi to the saucepan and toss until coated with the creamy pesto sauce.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce Pizza with Mozzarella
Elevate your pizza game with this creamy and flavorful combination of pesto sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Spread the pesto sauce evenly over the pre-baked pizza crust.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the heavy cream and a pinch of salt.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pesto sauce.
5. Drizzle the cream mixture over the mozzarella cheese.
6. Top with chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce with Garlic Bread
Elevate your pasta dishes or pizza nights with this rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce, served alongside a crispy garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience. This recipe combines the bright flavors of basil and garlic with the richness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4-6 slices of bread (for garlic bread)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring mixture to a simmer.
4. Stir in pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Slice bread into 1-inch thick slices and spread garlic butter evenly on each slice.
6. Bake garlic bread in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce Lasagna Rolls
Elevate your lasagna game with these creamy, cheesy, and flavorful rolls that combine the richness of pesto sauce with the comfort of a classic Italian dish.
Ingredients:
– 8-10 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup pesto cream sauce (see below for recipe)
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Pesto Cream Sauce:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons pesto sauce
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together pesto cream sauce and mozzarella cheese.
4. Lay out a cooked lasagna noodle and spread about 1 tablespoon of the pasta mixture along the center of the noodle.
5. Roll up the noodle tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Repeat with remaining noodles and filling.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Creamy Pesto Sauce with Zucchini Noodles
Savor the flavors of Italy with this easy and delicious recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 medium zucchinis
– Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and salt. Process until well combined.
3. With the processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil through the top. Season with black pepper.
4. Cook the zucchinis according to your preferred method (grilling or boiling). Slice into noodles.
5. Toss the cooked zucchini noodles with the creamy pesto sauce and serve immediately.
Cooking Time:
– 15-20 minutes from start to finish
– 10-12 minutes for cooking zucchini
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Creamy Pesto Sauce with Zucchini Noodles!
Pesto Cream Sauce with Meatballs
Elevate your pasta game with this rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce paired with savory meatballs. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp basil pesto
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 12 oz cooked meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
– 8 oz spaghetti
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, pesto, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth over medium heat.
3. Add cooked meatballs to the saucepan and stir to coat with the creamy pesto mixture.
4. Combine cooked spaghetti and reserved pasta water in the saucepan. Toss everything together until well coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto Cream Sauce Risotto
This creamy risotto combines the flavors of Italy with the richness of pesto and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/2 cup pesto sauce
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the chicken broth in a separate pot and keep warm.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the Arborio rice in olive oil until lightly toasted.
3. Add 1/4 cup of warmed broth and cook until absorbed, stirring constantly. Repeat this process with remaining broth.
4. Stir in pesto sauce, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
Creamy Pesto Sauce with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Elevate your pasta dishes or pizza nights with this vibrant and flavorful creamy pesto sauce, infused with the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper, and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Process until well combined.
3. Add the roasted cherry tomatoes to the processor and blend until smooth.
4. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Use immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with these 20 creamy pesto cream sauce recipes! From classic pasta dishes to innovative seafood and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Try Garlic Parmesan Pesto Cream Sauce Pasta or Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Cream Sauce with Chicken for a twist on traditional Italian cuisine. For a lighter option, opt for Creamy Basil Pesto Sauce with Shrimp or Pesto Cream Sauce with Grilled Vegetables. With such a wide range of flavors and textures to explore, you’re sure to find your new favorite dish in this collection of creamy pesto cream sauces.
