Creamy Cheesy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Cheesy Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3/4 pounds Short Cut Whole Wheat Pasta; 2 Tablespoons Butter; 2 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour; 1 cup Whole Milk, Warmed; 1/2 cups Prepared Pesto; Salt And Pepper, to taste; 3 Tablespoons Butter; 2 cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese; 1 cup Reserved Hot Pasta Water; 1 whole Tomato, Diced (optional); Parmesan Cheese (Optional); Chopped Basil (optional)

Servings: persons

3/4 pounds Short Cut Whole Wheat Pasta
2 Tablespoons Butter
2 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
1 cup Whole Milk, Warmed
1/2 cups Prepared Pesto
Salt And Pepper, to taste
3 Tablespoons Butter
2 cups Grated Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup Reserved Hot Pasta Water
1 whole Tomato, Diced (optional)
Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Chopped Basil (optional)

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
2
Pour in pasta and cook until al dente (according to package instructions).
3
While pasta is cooking, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat.
4
Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine.
5
Whisk in milk slowly to avoid lumps and cook until thickened, 3 minutes.
6
Turn off heat and stir in pesto, salt and pepper.
7
(Sauce should be pretty thick.)
8
Remove about 1 cup of pasta water before draining completely.
9
Return pasta to hot pot and stir in the 3 Tablespoons of butter and mozzarella cheese until melted and stringy.
10
Pour pasta into skillet with pesto sauce and stir to coat.
11
Add in splashes of hot pasta water while stirring until desired sauce consistency is reached.
12
Serve immediately with fresh diced tomatoes, parmesan cheese and basil.

891

kcal

Calories

Fat

120

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3/4 pounds Short Cut Whole Wheat Pasta, 2 Tablespoons Butter, 2 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour, 1 cup Whole Milk, Warmed, and more.

Yes, Creamy Cheesy Pesto Pasta falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Creamy Cheesy Pesto Pasta

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions