This sour cream pesto pasta sauce is a simple yet extraordinary sauce packed with flavours into every bite. We all have a special corner in our hearts for this dish. This pesto pasta is the perfect dinner meal for a whole family. If you want to enjoy the natural freshness of this dish, summer is the best time to get herby, nutty flavour, and it’s all due to basil pesto pasta.
I have been loving to cook this dip for years! I used to expertly blend fragrant basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, and parmesan cheese for pesto sauce. This recipe came up with a twist of adding sour cream to make a creamy, buttery pesto dip; trust me, it was perfectly balanced with the basil pesto sauce’s earthy-nutty and bit-sour flavours. Upon tasting this dip with my friends, I’m still making it every other day at their request.
We’re still obsessed with this sauce, and you need this in your life right now!
Why sour cream pesto pasta sauce is special in Italian cuisine?
This fantastic dish is all the way originated from the Italian cuisine. The traditionally pesto is made in marble mortar with a wooden pestle. The basic ingredients like pine nuts, dried basil leaves and Parmesan cheese are crushed in circular motion that make sauce’s flavor earthy-nutty and bit-sour. This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for vegan diet or want to enjoy the nutrition of meat-base meal. However, there are some modern ways to enjoy pasta with pesto with a modern twist.
I always have a special corner in my heart for this dish. Do you know why?
Because this easy pesto pasta takes just 20 minutes to cook, this simple ingredient recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and family get-to-gathers. I’m telling you its so delicious and you need this to add in cooking dairies right now.
Well, If you have been following Pastashere.com, you must have known there are lots of healthy, quick and easy recipes that are perfect for families. Each recipe category highlights your favourite new recipes!
Ingredients for sour cream pesto pasta sauce:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40ml |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Salt and pepper | according to taste |
| Red chili flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Pine nuts | 10g |
| Basil leaves | 30g |
| Sour cream | 100g |
| Parmesan | 20g freshly grated |
Sour cream: This game-changer ingredient makes our pasta creamy and tangy. You can use low-fat or full-fat sour cream, depending on your preference.
How to make sour cream pesto pasta sauce?
- Put basil leaves, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil in a bowl and blend them in a hand blender or a food processor until smooth.
- Add the sour cream to the basil mixture, season with salt and pepper, stir well, and then transfer to a serving bowl.
Making sour cream pesto pasta:
Cooking the pasta:
Boil a large saucepan of water over medium to high heat. Add generous salt and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. If you want al dente pasta, take one minute off before cooking. Drain the water.
Mixing pasta with sour cream pesto pasta sauce:
Add cooked sour cream pesto sauce over warm pasta. Mix gently to coat it well with the creamy sour pesto, ensuring each pasta strand is equally coated.
Toss and serve:
After tossing, combine all the ingredients. Let it rest for 2 minutes to soak up the sour sauce. It symbolizes that everything is coming together perfectly. Garnish this yum yum sour cream pesto pasta with grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Serve hot!
Variants of pesto pasta:
Nuts for pesto pasta:
You can customize this recipe to suit your taste using dry fruits like almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or even peanuts, easily substituted for traditional pine nuts. Walnuts are an excellent substitute with a similar texture and are cheaper.
Try leafy green vegetables:
Pesto variations are forgiving. If you cannot find fresh basil in the stores, try seasonal leafy vegetables like spinach or even avocado. You can also make tomato pesto and different kinds of vegetable pesto.
Roasted grape tomatoes:
Using roasted grape tomatoes in the sour cream pesto pasta not only helps to add taste and freshness but also makes the plates more attractive and incredible.
Pasta preference:
You can use any pasta shape you prefer. I used spaghetti, but you can opt for long fettuccine, bucatini, rotini, or whatever is readily available.
Meat options:
Adding shredded chicken or any grilled meat is optional, but it makes pesto pasta healthier and tastes even better.
Expert notes:
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days—Reheat pesto pasta in the microwave oven or over the stovetop. If pasta stick to the pot, add a little water to the dish, and you will get that creamy texture back.
- To freeze, place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for 5 to 6 months. Thaw, reheat, enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
Is pesto pasta supposed to be sour?
No, pesto pasta is not traditionally supposed to be sour. However, adding sour cream and tomatoes to the pasta may introduce a tangy flavour. But adding a bit of sugar can mask the bitterness.
What is creamy pesto made of?
Put basil leaves, parmesan, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil in a bowl and blend with hand—season with salt and pepper.
What are the disadvantages of pesto pasta?
Nuts may cause allergy reactions. Some people have a nut allergy, so it’s essential to check the ingredients in pesto before consuming because they are made with tree nuts. Moreover, Pesto pasta becomes dry and loses its creamy texture after freezing, especially if made with a dairy-based sauce.
