Hello, pasta lovers! Sarah here again from Whole and Heavenly Oven, thrilled to share another truly fabulous recipe with you all. As the days grow longer and the air turns warmer, there’s a certain culinary shift that naturally occurs. Heavy winter stews and comforting casseroles begin to give way to lighter, brighter, and more vibrant dishes. And if you’re anything like me, you’re more than ready to embrace that change!

Isn’t it a relief to finally leave the depths of winter behind? Here in Wisconsin, where the chill can linger, the first hints of spring are a truly joyous occasion. We’re just a few days into the season, but already, the world outside is awakening. The air has a fresh crispness, the sun feels warmer on my skin, and the landscape is slowly but surely transforming into a canvas of green. This transition always inspires me to bring similar fresh, lively flavors into my kitchen. Spring, please stay forever, okay?

The Irresistible Allure of Pesto in Spring

And what else am I absolutely loving right now? Pesto! While I’m a year-round fan of this herbaceous green sauce, it truly shines brightest in the springtime. There’s something inherently revitalizing about its fresh basil, nutty Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. It’s super-fresh, super-GREEN, and just screams new beginnings. The vibrant color alone is enough to lift spirits and get those taste buds tingling. And let’s be honest, green things are a beautiful sight this time of year, both outdoors and on our plates. As are carbs, of course – though I’m pretty sure my love for those is a 24/7, year-round kind of thing! So, naturally, pesto pasta is a staple that I want to stay in my life forever.

But today’s recipe isn’t just a simple pesto pasta. Oh no, we’re taking things to a whole new level of deliciousness and comfort. We’re marrying the vibrant flavors of fresh pesto with the indulgent creaminess of homemade Alfredo sauce, then tossing this glorious fusion with tender pasta. The result? A bowlful of creamy, green noodle heaven that manages to be both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a dish so heavenly that even the “anti-green” members of my family give it their enthusiastic stamp of approval. And believe me, that’s a major score in my book! It’s a testament to how beautifully the richness of Alfredo tames and complements the bold flavors of pesto, creating a perfectly balanced symphony for your palate.

Crafting Your Perfect Pesto Alfredo Sauce

The method behind creating this show-stopping pasta is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special springtime gathering. We start with the pesto sauce. You have the flexibility to use a high-quality pre-made pesto from your favorite deli or grocery store, which makes this recipe incredibly quick. Alternatively, for an even fresher and more aromatic experience, you can whip up your own pesto from scratch. Homemade pesto, with its bright basil and fragrant garlic, truly elevates this dish, but don’t feel pressured if time is of the essence.

Next, we move to the stovetop to prepare a super-basic, yet incredibly luscious, Alfredo sauce. This isn’t a complicated restaurant-style Alfredo; it’s designed for ease and maximum flavor with minimal effort. The key is to create a smooth, creamy base that will perfectly envelop the pesto.

Now, for the magical part: combining the two sauces. This is where the alchemy happens. Gently stir the vibrant green pesto into your warm, creamy Alfredo. Watch as the two distinct sauces merge into a harmonious, beautiful pale green sauce that promises a unique taste experience. Try not to swoon just yet, because there’s still one last, crucial step.

Grab your perfectly cooked pasta. While fettuccine is a classic choice for Alfredo and beautifully cradles the rich sauce, feel free to use your favorite cut of pasta. Spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini would work wonderfully here, each offering a slightly different texture and mouthfeel. Once your pasta is al dente, drain it, reserving a cup of the starchy pasta water – this is our secret weapon for achieving the perfect consistency. Then, pour that gloriously green, creamy sauce over the noodles.

Give it a good stir, ensuring every strand of pasta is thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce. And now, you have my full permission to faceplant right into that bowl of green glory! I personally want to do a cannonball straight into this bowl of “zee carbs” and never, ever come out. This pasta is a pesto-lover’s dream, guys! Even if you’re typically not a huge fan of the green stuff, that’s totally okay. The super-creamy Alfredo sauce works wonders, really taming the pesto into a rich, luscious, and incredibly satisfying pasta experience that’s balanced and approachable for everyone.

It’s an experience that, I’m almost ashamed to admit, has resulted in this pasta being made on a two-to-three-times-per-week basis around here. #obsessed. It’s just that good, and that easy to fall in love with. The combination offers the best of both worlds: the comforting, familiar embrace of Alfredo with a bright, herbaceous kick that makes it feel fresh and new.

So, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Creamy Pesto Alfredo Fettuccine a try this spring! It’s an ideal dish to celebrate the season’s bounty, bring joy to your dinner table, and introduce a new favorite to your recipe repertoire. You truly just can’t say no to this delicious combination of flavors. Happy cooking!

4.30 from 17 ratings

Creamy Pesto Alfredo Fettuccine

Created by Amber Brady

This creamy fettuccine combines the best worlds of both alfredo sauce and fresh pesto into one fresh springtime pasta side dish!

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Yields6 servings

Ingredients

• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 3 Tablespoons white whole wheat flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup prepared pesto
• 1 lb fettuccine pasta
• salt and pepper to taste
• additional grated Parmesan for topping, optional

Instructions

1. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, quickly whisk in the flour until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
2. Very slowly, gradually whisk the milk and heavy cream into the flour mixture, ensuring it remains smooth and lump-free. Continue to whisk until completely combined. Bring the sauce to a low simmer, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens to your desired consistency.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Then, gently fold in the prepared pesto until it is evenly incorporated into the creamy Alfredo sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve approximately 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This water will be crucial for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
5. Once the pasta is drained, transfer it to a large serving bowl or back into the skillet with the sauce. Pour the prepared pesto Alfredo sauce over the pasta and gently toss until all the noodles are thoroughly coated in the rich, green sauce.
6. Slowly drizzle in the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the pasta reaches your desired creamy consistency. This step helps emulsify the sauce and ensures it clings beautifully to the pasta.
7. Season the finished pasta generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprig of fresh basil, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.

Notes

Pesto Preference: For the freshest flavor, consider using homemade pesto. However, a good quality store-bought pesto works perfectly for convenience.

Pasta Choices: While fettuccine is recommended, this sauce also pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even short pasta like farfalle.

Adding Protein: For a heartier meal, stir in cooked chicken (shredded or diced), sautéed shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage during the last step.

Vegetable Boost: Enhance the dish with spring vegetables like blanched asparagus tips, green peas, or cherry tomatoes halved and tossed in at the end.

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.

Sharing this recipe with a link is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying/pasting and/or screenshots of full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected.

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Hungry for More Pasta? Explore More Delicious Recipes!

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting and versatile world of pasta, you’re in luck! My kitchen is a haven for creating delicious noodle-based dishes that are both easy to make and packed with flavor. Here are a couple more favorites that I know you’ll enjoy, perfect for any night of the week:

20-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara

Craving a rich, savory classic that comes together in a flash? My 20-Minute Spaghetti Carbonara is your answer. This traditional Italian dish is celebrated for its incredible richness and creamy texture, without a drop of actual cream! It’s loaded with crispy, smoky bacon (or pancetta), perfectly cooked spaghetti, and generously tossed with a velvety sauce made from egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, and a touch of pasta water. It’s an elegant yet simple meal that’s ready to impress in just minutes, making it ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a luxurious weekend treat. The nutty Parmesan and crisp bacon are simply irresistible.

Easy Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta

If you’re looking for a healthier twist on a beloved classic, my Easy Creamy Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta is a revelation. Indulge in all the creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting goodness of traditional pasta Alfredo, but without all the heavy calories and guilt! This ingenious “skinny” version features a silky sauce made primarily from blended cauliflower, eliminating the need for heavy cream or excessive butter. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables while enjoying a rich, cozy pasta dish that tastes incredibly indulgent. You won’t believe how much flavor and creaminess you get from this clever, lighter alternative!