Creamy Pesto - Pasta Recipe

Bring 4 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Add 12 oz dried pasta and cook until 1–2 minutes shy of the package al dente time (reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining). Drain pasta and set aside, keeping it warm.

Make a roux and warm aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 2 teaspoons minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Build the cream sauce

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic; cook, stirring, for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup whole milk until smooth, then whisk in 1 cup heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, and allow to thicken for 3–4 minutes.

Finish with cheese and seasoning

Lower heat to medium-low and whisk in 1 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. If sauce becomes too thick, thin it by whisking in up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Stir 1 tablespoon basil pesto into the warm Alfredo sauce until evenly incorporated. Taste and add another 1/2–1 tablespoon pesto if you prefer a stronger basil flavor.

Add 1 cup thinly sliced oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce and cook 1–2 minutes to heat through and let flavors meld. If using toasted pine nuts (2 tablespoons), stir them in now for texture.

Add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently with tongs or two forks to fully coat the pasta with the creamy pesto-Alfredo and sun-dried tomato mixture. If the sauce needs loosening, add reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until the pasta is glossy and evenly coated.

Stir in 1/4 cup julienned fresh basil (optional) and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan for extra cheesiness. Finish with 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest if using to brighten flavors.

Serve immediately in warmed bowls, topping each portion with additional grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper to taste.