Description
Creamy pesto pasta is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors with a luxurious texture. With the rich taste of fresh basil and creamy goodness, this recipe is perfect for any occasion – from family dinners to cozy nights in. You can whip up this gourmet meal in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Serve it warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or pine nuts, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and reserve some pasta water.
- In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan; pulse until finely chopped.
- With the processor running, gradually add olive oil until smooth. Add heavy cream and pulse until well blended.
- Mix cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: - For a twist, substitute regular pasta with whole grain or gluten-free varieties. - Add grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently with a splash of cream.