- Cooking the Penne
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Starting the Sauce Base
Heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Adding Cream & Parmesan
Pour in the heavy cream and stir. Add grated Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce, creating a smooth, velvety texture.
- Adding the Pesto
Stir in the basil pesto until the sauce turns bright green and aromatic. Adjust thickness with a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Combining Pasta & Sauce
Add the drained penne to the sauce. Toss well until every piece is coated. Add cherry tomatoes if using.
- Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Add extra Parmesan for richness if desired.
- Serving Serve hot, garnished with
fresh basil leaves.
- Calories:1200 kcal%60%
- Protein:26.6 g%53%
- Carbohydrates:96.6 g%32%
- Fat:113.7 g%99%
- Sugar:13.9 g%13%
- Salt:1.3 g%19%
- Energy:5021 kJ%83%
Creamy Pesto Penne is a vibrant, aromatic pasta dish combining the fresh flavors of basil pesto with a silky cream sauce. The penne absorbs the sauce beautifully, creating a rich yet refreshing meal. Perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, or when you want something flavorful with minimal effort.
