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+ servings

Creamy Pesto Pasta

A delightful creamy pesto pasta dish bursting with vibrant basil, rich creaminess, and a hint of garlic, perfect for cozy nights or dinner parties.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz Fettuccine or Penne Any pasta works well.
Pesto Sauce
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Pesto Use fresh for vibrant flavor.
Cream
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Choose a high-fat variety.
Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Avoid pre-grated for better melting.
Vegetables
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Opt for ripe for sweetness.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Use baby spinach for milder taste.
Seasoning
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
Oil
  • 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil Use sparingly.

Method
 

Gather Your Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients for the creamy pesto pasta, including fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and your choice of pasta.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes.
Prepare the Pesto
  1. In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, pine nuts, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse until finely chopped before slowly drizzling in olive oil while processing until smooth and creamy.
Toss it All Together
  1. Once your pasta is drained, return it to the pot over low heat. Pour in your freshly made pesto and gently toss everything together until each strand is coated.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish adapts well; feel free to add leftover chicken for extra protein.

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