Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Pesto

Name: Angel Hair Pasta With Creamy Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz angel hair pasta; 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup olive oil

Highlighted under: Cozy Comforts

I absolutely adore this Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Pesto! The way the light noodles embrace the rich, velvety sauce has become my go-to comfort meal. It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion. Plus, the vibrant green from the fresh basil and simple ingredients create a dish that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. In less than 30 minutes, I have a delightful homemade dinner ready to enjoy with family and friends.

Created by

Cassidy Moore

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:56:48.679Z

Making this Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Pesto was one of those moments when a simple recipe turned into a delightful surprise for my dinner guests. I used fresh basil and toasted pine nuts, which truly elevated the flavor profile. The creaminess of the sauce clings perfectly to each strand of pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.

I experimented with different types of cheese and found that a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella brought the perfect balance of saltiness and creaminess. Using the pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency was a game changer—don't skip that step!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Delicate angel hair pasta pairs perfectly with the silky pesto
Fresh ingredients create a burst of flavor in every bite
Quick to prepare, making it ideal for any weeknight dinner

Mastering the Perfect Pesto

The key to a vibrant pesto lies in the quality of your basil. Choose fresh, bright green leaves without any blemishes. When blending the basil with pine nuts and garlic, make sure not to over-process; you want a rustic texture, not a smooth paste. A quick blitz is usually enough—around 20-30 seconds—followed by scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly creamy base without losing the essence of your fresh herbs.

Toasting your pine nuts adds a depth of flavor that elevates the pesto. This can be accomplished in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep an eye on them, stirring frequently to prevent burning, and remove them as soon as they are fragrant and lightly golden—usually around 3-5 minutes. If you are looking for a nut-free version, feel free to replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds; they provide an earthy note that works wonderfully in this dish.

Enhancing Your Pasta Experience

Angel hair pasta is delicate and cooks quickly, so timing is crucial. Bring your water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta, which typically cooks in just 4-6 minutes. Once you drain it, tossing it right away with the creamy pesto ensures the sauce clings to the noodles. Remember to add the reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce to your liking. This starchy water not only thins the pesto but also helps it adhere better to the angel hair.

For a bit of extra texture, consider adding freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick. You can also incorporate seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or peas in the final toss, adding not only color but also a fresh pop of flavor. These additions can transform this dish into a more nourishing meal without sacrificing its signature taste.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a delicious Angel Hair Pasta with Creamy Pesto:

Ingredients

8 oz angel hair pasta
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup olive oil

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to making the sauce!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your pasta and creamy pesto:

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Prepare the Pesto

In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream while blending, until the mixture is creamy and well-combined.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.

Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and pine nuts if desired.

Enjoy your delicious creation with a side salad or crusty bread!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider roasting the garlic before blending it into the pesto. This will give your sauce a deeper, more complex taste.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover creamy pesto pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This makes it a great option for meal prep! When reheating, use a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra cream to prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir gently until warmed through, taking care not to overheat, which can cause the cream to separate.

If you want to freeze this dish, I recommend freezing the pesto separately from the pasta. The sauce can last up to three months in the freezer, while cooked pasta is best used within one month. Thaw the pesto in the fridge overnight before combining it with freshly cooked pasta for optimal flavor and texture.

Making It Your Own

This angel hair pasta recipe is incredibly versatile! If you're looking for a plant-based version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to maintain that lush texture without dairy. Additionally, nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without animal products, making it suitable for vegan diets.

Feel free to experiment with different herbs in your pesto; while basil is a classic, combining it with arugula or spinach can impart a unique twist. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, balancing the richness of the cream with a fresh zing that complements the dish beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While angel hair pasta works wonderfully, you can substitute with any pasta of your choice, like spaghetti or fettuccine.

→ Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy pesto?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a vegan version.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth.

→ Can I make the pesto in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pesto ahead of time. Store it in a jar covered with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning for up to a week in the fridge.