How To Make Store-Bought Pesto Luxuriously Creamy

Creative variations for creamy pesto

Jarred pesto is an incredibly versatile ingredient. While heavy cream is a traditional choice for creating a creamy pesto sauce, there are other alternatives. For a lighter creamy pasta, consider using cottage cheese, a popular protein-rich ingredient. To achieve a creamy texture with cottage cheese, blend it with pesto in equal parts, adding a splash of pasta water for the best consistency. Pair this mixture with whole wheat or protein pasta for a satisfying vegetarian dish. You can also enhance your pesto by incorporating feta cheese for a tangy, Mediterranean twist on this Italian favorite. For a touch of sweetness, mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.

Looking for a dairy-free option? If you can't find Parmesan-free pesto at the store, you can easily make your own by substituting nutritional yeast for Parmesan. For the creamy element, use coconut cream, which adds a silky texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the basil beautifully. Cashew cream is another great dairy-free option that provides a nutty creaminess. To further lighten the sauce, whisk in a bit of pasta water to help it adhere to the noodles.

You can use your creamy pesto as a base for pizza, a topping for baked salmon, or a luxurious drizzle over roasted potatoes. Toss it with gnocchi for ultimate comfort food or layer it into lasagna for a flavorful upgrade. By transforming store-bought pesto into a creamy version, any dish becomes instantly more indulgent.