Pesto Cream Sauce: A Simple Guide

Pesto cream sauce is a versatile and flavorful sauce made by combining pesto with cream or other dairy (like heavy cream, half-and-half, or even cream cheese) to create a richer, smoother consistency. It's incredibly easy to make and can elevate a variety of dishes.

Here's a basic recipe and some ideas:

Basic Pesto Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but recommended)
1 clove garlic, minced (optional, if your pesto doesn't have enough garlic)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine: In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together the pesto and heavy cream (or half-and-half).
Heat Gently: Heat the mixture gently, stirring occasionally, until it's warm and smooth. Do not boil.
Add Cheese & Garlic (Optional): Stir in the Parmesan cheese and minced garlic (if using). Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the garlic is fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Season: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that pesto itself can be quite salty due to the Parmesan cheese.
Serve: Serve immediately over your favorite dishes.

Variations and Additions:

Lighter Version: Use half-and-half or even whole milk mixed with a thickening agent like a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for a less rich sauce. Cream cheese can also add creaminess with less fat.
Garlic Boost: If you love garlic, sauté some minced garlic in a little olive oil before adding the pesto and cream.
Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Lemon Zest or Juice: A little lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the sauce. Add it at the end of cooking.
Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh basil, parsley, or chives for extra freshness.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms and then add the pesto and cream.
Different Pesto: Experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto, red pepper pesto, or arugula pesto, for unique flavor profiles.

Ways to Use Pesto Cream Sauce:

Pasta: The most classic use! Toss with any type of pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, gnocchi).
Chicken or Fish: Spoon over grilled, baked, or pan-seared chicken, shrimp, salmon, or white fish.
Pizza: Use it as a base sauce instead of tomato sauce for a flavorful twist.
Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, or potatoes.
Gnocchi: Toss with pan-fried or boiled gnocchi.
Eggs: Swirl into scrambled eggs or omelets.
Sandwiches or Crostini: Spread on bread for a flavorful base.
Soup: Add a swirl to creamy tomato soup or vegetable soup for extra flavor.
Dip: Use as a warm dip for breadsticks, crackers, or vegetables.
Stuffing: Incorporate into savory stuffing for chicken or vegetables.