If you’re looking for a sauce that’s rich, creamy and packed with flavor, this Pesto Alfredo Sauce is it! It’s the perfect combination of creamy Alfredo goodness and fresh, herby pesto, all coming together in one super easy recipe. This creamy pesto Alfredo is a must try in your collection of pasta sauces. It is perfect for pasta nights, special occasions or whenever you want to elevate your meals.
The fresh pesto made with basil, pine nuts and parmesan adds a burst of delicious flavor to the rich and creamy Alfredo sauce. This is a great way to take your pasta game to the next level. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but fancy enough to serve when you want to impress the whole family.
Toss it with fettuccine, drizzle it over veggies or use it as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, garlic bread, or roasted veggies. However you serve it, this sauce is about to be a regular in your kitchen! This recipe pairs great with any crisp white wine.
If you are looking for more pasta recipes, check out our: Creamy Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta, Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo, Chicken Pesto Linguine or Chorizo Orzo.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Flavorful: This recipe combines the rich, garlicky creaminess of Alfredo with the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade pesto. It’s a perfectly balanced sauce that transforms any dish into something special.
- Versatile: This sauce pairs well with pasta, chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or creating a dish to impress, this sauce fits the occasion.
- Simple: It’s simple to make with just a handful of basic ingredients like butter, garlic, parmesan, and fresh basil. It comes together in no time, making it an easy option for a delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this creamy pesto alfredo sauce:
- Pine nuts
- Basil: Use fresh basil.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Salt
- Olive oil: Use a high quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Butter: I typically like to use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in a dish. If you choose to use salted butter, just be careful how much additional salt you add!
- Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor!
- Heavy whipping cream: This is essential for the creamy texture, and I recommend full fat cream for the richest sauce. You could use cream cheese or whole milk for a substitute.
- Salt & black pepper
Directions
Let's make this homemade alfredo sauce together!
Step 1
In a food processor, combine the pine nuts, basil, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Pulse the mixture until everything is well combined. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, continuing to pulse until the pesto becomes smooth. Set it aside.
Step 2
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Stir it until it’s melted. Once the butter is melted, add the garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 1 minute, until it’s fragrant.
Step 3
Pour in the heavy cream, then add the salt, black pepper and parmesan cheese, stirring to combine until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Once it has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 4
Add the pesto to the Alfredo sauce and whisk them together until fully incorporated. Serve immediately with your favorite pasta shape. When tossing with pasta, I recommend adding some of the starchy water from the pasta to help incorporate everything together nicely and ensure the sauce will stick to the pasta.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this pesto pasta sauce recipe:
- Reserve pasta water: Before draining your pasta, reserve some of the strachy water. You can add it to your sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Make ahead: To save time, you can prepare the pesto ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Add some flavor: For a little kick, you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the pesto for extra freshness.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for one of the best alfredo sauce recipes. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
- Food processor: This food processor is my favorite and I use it almost every day! It's great quality and you can use it for a variety of recipes.
- Large skillet: You'll want a high quality large skillet to make the alfredo sauce.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this pesto alfredo recipe
- Basil: Swap out the basil for spinach, arugula or even kale for a different twist. These greens provide a similar vibrant color and earthy flavor.
- Parmesan: If you don’t have parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor, or Grana Padano for a milder taste.
- Additions: You can add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cherry tomatoes to give the sauce more texture and flavor. For more protein, you could add leftover chicken or grilled shrimp to this pasta sauce.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this easy sauce:
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, store bought jarred pesto can work in a pinch, but homemade basil pesto will provide a fresher, more vibrant flavor. If using store bought, make sure to choose a high quality option.
While the pesto can be frozen for up to 3 months, Alfredo sauces with cream don’t freeze well and can separate when reheated. It’s best to make the Alfredo sauce fresh.
Fettuccine is traditional, but you can also use linguine, penne, or even a gluten free pasta. The key is to use a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this creamy pesto sauce.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer Storage: Freezing is not recommended.
- Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore its smooth consistency.
Other Recipes to Try
Homemade Creamy Pesto Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Pesto:
- ¼ cup pine nuts
- 1 ½ cups basil
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups grated parmesan cheese plus more for serving
Instructions
- Add pine nuts, basil, parmesan cheese, and salt to a food processor.
- Pulse until combined, then slowly add extra virgin olive oil while the food processor is running. Pulse until smooth.
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add butter and stir until melted. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and grated parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and whisk until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Whisk the pesto into the alfredo sauce. Serve immediately with pasta.
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