If you are craving a dish that effortlessly combines rich creaminess with vibrant herbaceous flavors, this Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautiful twist on classic pesto, bringing together the luscious smoothness of cream cheese with the fresh zing of basil and lemon. This recipe delivers a perfectly balanced pasta that feels indulgent yet light, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends. Every bite sings with comforting textures and bright, fresh notes that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the creamy texture, fresh taste, and inviting aroma that make this recipe so irresistible.
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the luscious sauce with every forkful.
- Salt for pasta water: Essential for seasoning the pasta from within, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 4 oz light cream cheese, softened: Adds a creamy, rich texture without weighing down the dish.
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty depth that complements the pesto perfectly.
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves: The star herb that gives this pasta its signature fresh and fragrant taste.
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, plus extra for garnish: Brings a subtle crunch and buttery flavor to the sauce and as a finish.
- 2 garlic cloves: Give the pesto an aromatic kick and savory backbone.
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Helps emulsify the sauce and adds fruity richness.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste: Adds a gentle heat that brightens the flavors.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Lifts the sauce with a refreshing tang, balancing the richness.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish and an extra touch of color and aroma.
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese: To sprinkle on top for that irresistible cheesy finish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta in well-salted water is key for seasoning it from the inside out. Add your penne or fusilli and cook according to package instructions until just al dente—the pasta should have a slight bite to complement the creamy sauce. Reserve half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining so you can adjust the sauce consistency later. This simple step ensures your dish has the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare Pesto Base
While the pasta cooks, gather your basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. Toss these into a food processor and pulse until everything is finely chopped and beautifully combined. This is the flavor foundation of your sauce, bringing fragrant herbs, nutty crunch, savory cheese, and a touch of pungent garlic into a harmonious mixture.
Step 3: Create Cream Cheese Sauce
Next, add softened cream cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper into the food processor with the pesto base. Blend it all until the sauce is luxuriously smooth and creamy. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen it up—this little trick makes the sauce silky and helps it cling perfectly to every pasta piece.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return your drained pasta to the pot and pour over the creamy pesto sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until every bit is coated in that glossy, rich sauce. This step brings your dish to life, marrying textures and flavors with beautiful, comforting consistency.
Step 5: Plate and Serve
Divide the pasta among your favorite plates and sprinkle generously with extra pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese. These garnishes add wonderful visual appeal and additional layers of crunch, aroma, and flavor to finish your meal with finesse. Now, dive in and enjoy the full experience of your Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a thoughtful garnish! Fresh basil leaves add a pop of green and a refreshing herbal note, while extra pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce. A final sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brings that irresistible cheesy aroma that elevates every forkful. These small touches make your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main course but pairs wonderfully with light sides. A crisp mixed greens salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette echoes the citrus brightness in the recipe. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes bring vibrant colors and a touch of smoky sweetness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread are also excellent companions to scoop up every last bit of the decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation up a notch by serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls, allowing guests to appreciate its glossy sauce and pretty garnishes. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or a zest of lemon on top for extra flair. For a fun twist, toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or grilled chicken to customize the recipe according to your mood and audience. The versatility of the Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe means it’s always a star on your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the sauce can thicken when chilled, you may want to loosen it with a splash of warm water or olive oil when reheating. This makes for a quick and satisfying meal the next day without losing any of the delicious creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta is possible but not ideal due to the cream cheese content, which can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, spoon the pasta into a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best taste. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to minimize texture changes.
Reheating
Reheat your Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Add a little reserved pasta water, milk, or olive oil to bring back that silky sauce consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream cheese from curdling and keep that velvety smooth sauce you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne or fusilli work best to hold the sauce, you can easily swap in other shapes like farfalle, rotini, or even spaghetti depending on your preference or pantry staples.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, try substituting the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Keep in mind these swaps will alter the flavor profile somewhat, but you’ll still get a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta.
Can I prepare the pesto base ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pesto base (basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan) a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Add the cream cheese and other ingredients just before tossing with the pasta for the freshest taste and texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If your sauce feels thick or clumpy, stir in small amounts of reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the perfect silky consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and keeps it velvety.
What’s the best way to serve this pasta for a dinner party?
Serving the pasta in individual bowls garnished with fresh basil and pine nuts creates a visually appealing presentation. Pair with a crisp white wine and a light salad to impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it balances creamy comfort with bright, fresh flavors so beautifully. It’s quick, uses simple ingredients, and feels special enough to serve any day of the week. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover a new weeknight staple or your next go-to crowd pleaser.
Print
Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy and vibrant Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining the freshness of basil pesto with the rich, smooth texture of light cream cheese, it offers a luscious sauce that beautifully coats al dente pasta. Topped with pine nuts and Parmesan, this dish balances flavors and textures for a satisfying vegetarian Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Pesto Sauce
- 4 oz light cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts, plus extra for garnish
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the hot pasta cooking water before draining the pasta in a colander.
- Prepare Pesto Base: While the pasta cooks, place fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into a food processor. Pulse several times until all ingredients are finely chopped and beginning to form a coarse paste.
- Create Cream Cheese Sauce: Add the softened light cream cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved hot pasta water to loosen it, blending again to reach a silky consistency.
- Combine and Finish: Return the drained pasta to the large pot or a mixing bowl. Pour the cream cheese pesto sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time while tossing until the sauce clings well and has a smooth, luscious texture.
- Plate and Serve: Divide the coated pasta into serving bowls or plates. Garnish each serving with extra pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and presentation. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency; it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use light cream cheese to keep the dish lighter but still creamy.
- Fresh basil and pine nuts elevate the flavor, but toasted pine nuts can add a nuttier crunch.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal texture and freshness.
- Can be customized by adding cooked chicken or roasted vegetables for extra protein or flavor.
