Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 8 oz mushrooms, sliced; 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped; 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup white wine; 3 tablespoons pesto; 2 cups heavy cream; 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 pound small/medium pasta (such as campanelle, shells, rotini, farfalle, or penne)

Creamy Pesto Pasta is a delicious 30 minute pasta recipe! Garlicky mushrooms and tomatoes are sautéd with bright, green pesto and then swirled together with decadent cream. Fold in the pasta for the ultimate creamy pesto pasta!

Mushrooms & Tomatoes

Start this recipe off by sautéing mushrooms in garlic and butter until golden brown. This whole process creates a flavor-rich foundation for the rest of the dish! A wonderful umami flavor that can’t be replaced. Plus, if you ask me, there’s nothing like the smell of mushrooms sautéd in a garlicky butter! Sliced white mushrooms or baby bella mushrooms can be used. I always like the baby bellas!

For the tomatoes, I like to use grape or roma tomatoes – whichever ones look the best in the grocery store at the time! Cut them in half and toss them in. They will blister and pop and create another layer of flavor in this pasta dish.

Now for the best part: deglazing the pan with a bit of white wine! I love the way it sizzles and flavors the dish like nothing else. If you are wanting to skip the wine, a tablespoon or two of white wine vinegar will help give the dish a little extra pizazz!

Let’s Talk Pesto

Since pesto is one of the main ingredients in this recipe, grab a good one! There are a lot of options out there. Personally, I like the traditional route: ones made with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts. Check out the ingredient list on the back of the bottle if it is your preference as well. Here’s some places I’ve been able to find yummy pesto from:

Costco – it can typically be found in the refrigerated section by all the special cheeses and deli meats. I love how bright green it is!
The Mercato – if you’re in Lincoln, NE, grab some of their pesto! That is what I used for this recipe.
Target/Grocery Store – I like this jarred pesto!

Of course, if you have the chance to make homemade pesto, go for it! Homemade pesto is always so much better in y opinion. I love anytime I can swipe a little jar of homemade pesto from my mom!

What Pasta Shape to Use

Another thing that’s great about this recipe: there’s all sorts of pasta shapes that can be used! Whatever is small-medium shaped. Here’s what I recommend:

Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and fold into the ultra creamy pesto sauce. It’s to die for!

This Creamy Pesto Pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight meal since it only takes 30 minutes. Or, whip up a batch for a fancy date night! I love how this pesto pasta can be a simple weeknight meal, or a fancy date night spread. Serve with some Cheesy Garlic Bread for the ultimate dinner either way!

Looking for other Pasta Recipes? Check these out!

Baked Cream Cheese Pasta

Cajun Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tomato Basil Tortellini

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