15-Minute Creamy Pesto Pasta (So Simple, So Good)

This Creamy Pesto Pasta is the easiest weeknight dinner. It comes loaded with tender shell pasta, rich basil pesto, deliciously creamy mozzarella balls, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. And best of all, you can have it ready in just 15 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights!

Pesto pasta is one of those effortlessly satisfying recipes that checks every box. It’s fast, flavorful, and can turn even the pickiest eater around. This version takes classic pesto pasta and turns it into a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness by combining basil pesto with heavy cream for the perfect silky sauce. Paired with shell pasta that scoops up all that flavor, every bite tastes rich and aromatic and just plain delicious.

To make things even better, we toss the pasta with mozzarella balls and briny sun-dried tomatoes, creating layers of texture and bright, bold flavor. It’s the kind of meal you can serve for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or even as a simple entertaining dish. And nobody will guess that it came together with just a handful of ingredients.

Why you’ll love this pesto pasta

• Fast & easy – Ready in 15 minutes with minimal prep required!
• Creamy and comforting – Heavy cream blended with pesto creates a luxurious sauce without any extra work on your part. It’s the ultimate comfort meal.
• Packed with flavor – Sun-dried tomatoes, basil pesto, and creamy mozzarella add brightness, richness, and pops of texture.
• Made with simple ingredients – You only need pantry staples and a few fresh add-ins to make this pesto pasta.
• Customizable – Add chicken, veggies, or switch up the pasta shape to fit your mood.

Ingredients needed

• 1 pound conchiglie (or shell pasta): The cup-like shells of this pasta make them perfect for holding up the creamy pesto sauce.
• Pesto: Pesto provides that bold basil, garlic, and Parmesan flavor that anchors the whole dish. To save on time, this recipe uses store-bought basil pesto (we recommend one from the Filippo Berio brand), but you can always make your own pesto if desired!
• Heavy cream: Makes the pesto sauce silky, rich, and restaurant-level creamy.
• Mozzarella balls: To add those soft, delectable pockets of cheese throughout the pasta.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring tangy, savory depth that balances the richness of the sauce.
• To season: Olive oil, salt, and pepper. Salt and pepper are essential seasonings, while the olive oil enhances the pesto’s richness and helps loosen the sauce if needed.
• To garnish (optional): Red pepper flakes for a nice kick and fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.

How to make pesto pasta

Boil the pasta

Cook the shell pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Make the sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil, stir in the pesto and heavy cream, letting it gently warm and combine.

Combine everything

Add the drained pasta directly into the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Add a splash of pasta water to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and the mozzarella balls

Season and serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, then top with red pepper flakes and fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Pesto pasta recipe tips

• Reserve enough pasta water. It’s the secret to loosening and emulsifying the creamy pesto sauce.
• Don’t boil the pesto sauce. High heat can cause the pesto to darken or lose its bright flavor. Make sure to keep the heat on medium or medium-low.
• Use quality pesto. Store-bought organic pesto works just as great as fresh pesto!
• Add protein. Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas are great additions.

Recipe variations

If you want to switch things up, here are a few easy and flavorful ways to customize this pesto pasta.

1. Pesto Chicken Pasta: Add sliced grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed version that turns this into a complete meal.
   
2. Roasted Veggie Pesto Pasta: Toss in roasted zucchini, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra texture, color, and caramelized flavor.
   
3. Spicy Pesto Pasta with Crumbled Sausage: Brown Italian sausage in a skillet and stir it in for a heartier, savory twist. A dash of extra red pepper flakes makes it even better!

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