Pesto Alfredo Pasta 🌿🧄🧀🍝 Silky, Herby, and Rich With a Bold Parmesan-Garlic Cream Sauce

This dish combines two pasta powerhouses — velvety Alfredo and vibrant pesto — into one ultra-creamy, flavor-forward bowl.

The result? A glossy, cheesy sauce cut with garlicky herbs that clings to every strand. It’s cozy, luxurious, and shockingly simple.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the Alfredo base

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

For the pesto swirl

• ⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, to brighten)

To finish

• Extra Parmesan
• Drizzle of pesto or olive oil
• Optional: fresh basil, cracked pepper, or chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo sauce
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.

Step 3: Add cheese and pesto
Lower heat and stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add pesto and stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.

Step 4: Toss with pasta
Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Add pasta water a splash at a time to create a glossy, clingy sauce.

Step 5: Serve hot
Plate immediately and top with more Parmesan, basil, or a swirl of pesto.

Flavor Variations

• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or mushrooms for a protein boost
• Use kale, arugula, or walnut pesto for a twist
• Stir in peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for brightness
• Swap in pecorino for a sharper cheese profile
• Finish with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts for crunch

Pro Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt
• Don’t boil the sauce after adding cheese — keep it on low
• Adjust the pesto-to-cream ratio depending on your flavor preference
• Toss pasta while it’s hot for max absorption and sauciness
• Add lemon juice last — it can split the sauce if boiled

Final Thoughts

Pesto Alfredo Pasta is creamy, garlicky, and unapologetically rich — balanced by the brightness of pesto and just enough bite from the cheese. It’s a perfect comfort-meets-fresh kind of pasta that works any night of the week.

Swirl it. Savor it. Let the sauce shine. 🌿🧄🧀🍝

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

• 🧄 Classic Pasta Recipes – Tried-and-true dishes like spaghetti, fettuccine, and timeless tomato-based favorites.
• 🍅 Simple Pasta Recipes – Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — pasta perfection without the fuss.
• ⚡ Easy Pasta Recipes – Weeknight lifesavers that deliver rich flavor fast, with zero culinary stress.
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🧀 Sauce Styles

• 🥛 Creamy Pasta Recipes – Silky sauces made with cream, cheese, or both — pure comfort in a bowl.
• 🧈 Alfredo Pasta Recipes – Rich and buttery Alfredo sauce takes center stage in these indulgent dishes.
• 🥄 White Sauce Pasta Recipes – Mellow and smooth béchamel-based recipes that pair beautifully with chicken or veggies.
• 🍅 Red Sauce Pasta Recipes – Bright, bold tomato sauces — classic marinara, spicy arrabbiata, and more.
• 🌿 Pesto Pasta Recipes – Herbaceous and vibrant, these green-sauced dishes are perfect for warm-weather meals.

🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
• 🐟 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Scallops, crab, salmon, or mixed shellfish in rich and zesty sauces.
• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.