Save to Pins Experience a luxurious yet refreshing meal with this Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta. This vibrant dish combines the richness of light cream cheese with the herbaceous punch of fresh basil and the satisfying crunch of toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special vegetarian treat, it is designed to be both simple and sophisticated, coming together in just 25 minutes.
Save to Pins The secret to this sauce lies in the harmony of ingredients. The tang of lemon juice and the saltiness of Parmesan cheese perfectly balance the creamy base, while the garlic provides a foundational depth. When tossed with al dente pasta and a splash of starchy cooking water, the pesto transforms into a velvety coating that clings beautifully to every piece of penne or fusilli.
Ingredients
- 350 g (12 oz) penne or fusilli
- Salt, for pasta water
- 120 g (4 oz, about 1/2 cup) light cream cheese, softened
- 40 g (1/3 cup) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 40 g (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
- Extra fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 2: Prepare the Base
- While the pasta cooks, add fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it is finely chopped.
- Step 3: Blend the Sauce
- Add the softened cream cheese, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the food processor. Process until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the hot pasta water to loosen it.
- Step 4: Toss and Combine
- Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the cream cheese pesto sauce and toss thoroughly to coat. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes silky and perfectly clings to the pasta.
- Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Divide the pasta among plates. Top each serving with extra toasted pine nuts, fresh basil leaves, and an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra flavor depth, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden and aromatic. This simple step adds a smoky, nutty dimension to the pesto. Also, ensure your cream cheese is properly softened at room temperature before blending to prevent any lumps in your sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is highly versatile. You can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a different texture. To add more heartiness, try including sautéed cherry tomatoes or grilled chicken strips. For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite certified gluten-free pasta variety.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy consistency at its best. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or a piece of crusty Italian bread to soak up any remaining pesto sauce. Garnish generously with fresh herbs for a beautiful, restaurant-quality presentation.
Save to Pins Enjoy this delightful Cream Cheese Pesto Pasta, a meal that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to create something truly flavorful and satisfying. With its 420 calories per serving and 14g of protein, it's a balanced and delicious choice for any pasta lover.
Questions & Answers
- → How can I toast pine nuts evenly?
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove promptly to avoid burning.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold the creamy pesto well and provide a balanced texture.
- → Can I replace pine nuts with other nuts?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as alternatives, offering a slightly different flavor and texture.
- → How do I make the sauce creamy without it being too thick?
Add reserved warm pasta water gradually while mixing to loosen the sauce until it achieves a silky consistency.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, by using certified gluten-free pasta, this dish can cater to gluten-free needs without compromising flavor.