Print

Creamy Pesto Alfredo Sauce Recipe Easy Homemade Rich Pasta Sauce

creamy pesto alfredo sauce - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy creamy pesto Alfredo sauce that combines the richness of Alfredo with the fresh, herby brightness of pesto for a luscious pasta topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (125 ml) prepared basil pesto
  • ¾ cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves for garnish
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes
  • Optional: gluten-free pasta

Instructions

  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid browning.
  2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter and stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream, stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer without boiling, about 3-4 minutes, until cream thickens slightly.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and whisk in ½ cup (125 ml) of prepared basil pesto. Stir until fully combined and smooth, about 2 minutes. Add a tablespoon of pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Gradually stir in ¾ cup (75 g) of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy and velvety. Lower heat if sauce looks grainy and stir gently until smooth.
  6. Season with a pinch of nutmeg, salt to taste (start with ¼ teaspoon), and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Toss sauce immediately with about 12 ounces (340 g) of cooked pasta. Reserve some pasta water to loosen sauce if necessary. Serve hot.

Notes

Keep heat low when adding cheese to avoid clumping. Stir sauce continuously to prevent burning. Use pasta water to loosen sauce if too thick. Freshly grate Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Nutmeg enhances creaminess subtly.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy pesto Alfredo sauce, easy pasta sauce, homemade Alfredo, basil pesto sauce, quick dinner sauce, rich pasta sauce

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/creamy-pesto-alfredo-sauce-recipe-easy-homemade-rich-pasta-sauce/