If you’re craving a dish that feels both comforting and a little indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of tender penne soaked in a luscious, herb-packed pesto cream sauce is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple, vibrant, and delivers that perfect balance of fresh basil flavor, cheesy richness, and a subtle kick from chili flakes that keeps every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or impressing friends, this recipe is sure to become one of your new favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two black pans on a white marbled surface, each filled with penne pasta in a creamy green sauce. In the left pan, the penne pasta is piled on top of the sauce in one thick layer, and a woman's hand is holding a colander filled with more pasta, about to add it to the sauce. The sauce underneath is smooth with visible green herb flecks. In the right pan, the pasta is mixed evenly with the creamy sauce, creating a uniform layer of pale yellow and light green speckles across the whole pan. A wooden spoon rests inside this pan, blending the pasta and sauce together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of texture and flavor that are anything but ordinary. From the tender penne that holds onto every bit of sauce to the fresh basil pesto and creamy Parmesan blend, every element ensures your dish bursts with taste and comfort.

Penne pasta, 450 g: The perfect pasta shape to catch and soak up the creamy pesto sauce.
Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Adds a silky base and helps sauté garlic for that irresistible aroma.
Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Infuses a punch of savory depth that wakes up the sauce.
Heavy cream, 1 ½ cups: Creates the rich, velvety texture that makes this pasta truly indulgent.
Milk or half and half, ½ cup: Lightens the cream slightly for the perfect creamy consistency.
Parmesan cheese, ½ cup grated: Brings salty, nutty notes that deepen the flavor profile.
Chili flakes, ½ teaspoon: Offers a gentle heat that balances the richness.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sauce.
Pesto, ½ cup: The star ingredient — vibrant basil, pine nuts, and garlic packed into every spoonful.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the penne pasta. Cook it according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water—it’s a handy secret to adjust your sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, making sure it doesn’t burn so the flavor stays mellow and sweet.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to mix with the garlic-infused olive oil. Let it gently simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and get silky smooth—this is where your creamy texture builds.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a savory depth, while the chili flakes give just the right subtle kick that complements the creaminess.

Step 5: Stir in the Pesto

Now it’s time for the magic: fold in the vibrant pesto. Mix it thoroughly so every swirl of the sauce carries that fresh, herbal basil flavor. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches just the right consistency to coat the penne beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the drained penne to the skillet and toss everything together over low heat. Make sure every piece is luxuriously covered with that creamy pesto sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want this pasta to sing with flavor!

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe

The image shows two black pans on a white marbled surface. In the left pan, there are five layers of ingredients: a creamy white liquid covering the bottom, a soft swirl of yellow oil around the edges, a dark green paste sitting on the left side, a small heap of light brown powder near the center, and scattered red chili flakes on the top left. In the right pan, the creamy white sauce is mixed with the green and spices, forming a smooth light green sauce with tiny dark specks throughout, being stirred by a wooden spoon held by a woman's hand, a whole vanilla bean visible resting in the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe, try topping it with freshly grated Parmesan, a few basil leaves for a pop of green, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts to add a delightful crunch and extra burst of nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, whose acidity and freshness balance the richness of the creamy pesto perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in individual rustic bowls and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top to add a glossy finish. For special occasions, you can even stuff it into hollowed-out mini bell peppers or nestle it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will stay delicious for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead option for quick lunches or easy dinners on busy days.

Freezing

While it’s ideal to enjoy this pasta fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that cream-based sauces might slightly change texture upon thawing, but it will still taste wonderful if reheated gently.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts. Add a little milk or cream to bring back the silky texture and prevent the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding creamy sauces, other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work wonderfully too and can add a fun twist to the texture.

Is pesto always made with basil?

Traditional pesto uses fresh basil, but you can experiment with other herbs like arugula or kale for a unique flavor. Just keep the balance of nuts, cheese, and olive oil for that classic creamy consistency.

Can I make a vegan version of this creamy pesto pasta?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Use a pesto that’s nut-based and free from dairy to keep it flavorful and creamy.

How spicy is the dish with chili flakes?

The half teaspoon of chili flakes adds a subtle warmth without overpowering the flavors. You can adjust this amount to your liking, adding more if you enjoy a bit of heat or omitting it entirely for a milder dish.

What’s the best way to store homemade pesto?

Store pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, pouring a thin layer of olive oil on top to keep it fresh and prevent oxidation. You can also freeze pesto in ice cube trays for convenient portioning.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite—effortless to prepare and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a pesto lover or new to creamy pasta dishes, give this recipe a try and let it brighten up your table and weeknights. Once you taste that silky, herbaceous sauce coating each penne, you’ll understand why it’s a personal favorite worth sharing.

Creamy Pesto Penne Pasta Recipe