Creamy Pesto Pasta is a delicious and simple dish that combines the rich flavors of basil pesto with creamy sauce and pasta. Here’s a basic recipe to make it:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, etc.)
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Reduce the heat to low.
- Add the basil pesto to the cream, stirring until well combined and heated through.
- Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese to the cream mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with some of the reserved pasta cooking water.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that both the pesto and Parmesan are already salty, so adjust accordingly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss gently until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve the creamy pesto pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrients. Enjoy your creamy pesto pasta!
