Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish combining fresh pesto and heavy cream, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: toasted pine nuts, extra basil, lemon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, aiming for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Create the Sauce: Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir constantly. Add basil pesto and mix until combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet and mix to coat. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency.
- Finishing Touches: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Let it meld together for a minute or two on low heat.
- Serve It Up: Dish into bowls topped with extra Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, fresh basil, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or evaporated milk. Adjust seasoning as per your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pasta, pesto, creamy pasta, comfort food, Italian recipe