Homemade Creamy Pesto Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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.

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.

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