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
Scale
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.
