Go Back
–+ servings
A plate of creamy pesto alfredo pasta topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese,

Pesto Alfredo Sauce Recipe

A creamy and flavorful fusion of Alfredo and pesto sauces, perfect for pasta, grilled proteins, and vegetables. Quick and easy to make!
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course lunch
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 358 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients for Pesto Alfredo Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup prepared pesto store-bought or homemade
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • 2 ounces cream cheese for extra creaminess
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice for a fresh tang
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Instructions
 

  • Melt the Butter
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, but avoid browning.
  • Add the Cream
  • Pour in the heavy cream (or milk). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
  • Incorporate the Parmesan Cheese
  • Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
  • Season the Sauce
  • Add salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
  • Stir in the Pesto
  • Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold in the prepared pesto. Stir until the sauce has a uniform green hue.
  • Combine with Pasta
  • Toss the sauce with your cooked pasta of choice, ensuring all strands are coated. Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
A plate of creamy pesto alfredo pasta topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese,
Pesto Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Notes

For a nut-free version, use a pesto made without pine nuts.
Replace heavy cream with milk for a lighter alternative.
Add cream cheese to make the sauce extra thick and creamy.
Pair with pasta, grilled shrimp, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 358kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 6gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 428mgPotassium: 111mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1386IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 169mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword pesto alfredo sauce pasta, pesto alfredo sauce jar, pesto alfredo sauce with milk, pesto alfredo sauce cream cheese
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!