Creamy Pesto Pasta

Flat spaghetti tossed with pesto, cream, olive oil, and black pepper, then topped with basil and pine nuts for an easy weeknight meal.

By Moow Editorial ·

Creamy pesto pasta topped with basil and pine nuts
Photo: Infrogmation · CC BY 2.0 via Flickr · cropped by Moow
  • Reserve a little pasta water before draining if you would like to loosen the sauce.

At a glance

Read through the method once, then prep the ingredients in the order listed.

  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
For the most consistent result, use the listed weights when available; household measures are rounded.

Estimated nutrition per serving

Serving basis: One serving from the final reviewed yield of 4 servings.

  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Sodium: 288 mg
Estimated from the listed ingredients and serving yield using USDA FoodData Central. Actual values vary with brands, substitutions, cooking losses, oil absorption, and portion size.

Pasta

Have these measured and ready before you begin.

  • 8 ounces (225 g) linguine
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) pesto
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • scant 1/2 cup (100 ml) cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt, plus more only after tasting
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

To Serve

  • 1–2 sprigs fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pine nuts

Directions

1. Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente, then drain.

2. Heat the olive oil and pesto in a large skillet over medium-low heat, stirring briefly.

3. Add the cream, salt, and black pepper and stir until smooth and warmed through.

4. Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated.

5. Serve topped with fresh basil and pine nuts.

Sources

  1. USDA FoodData Central — April 2026 data release

Contains milk, wheat, and tree nuts; prepared pesto may also contain Parmesan. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

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