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Mareca

Creamy Pesto Pasta: A Decadent Recipe You'll Love

A rich and creamy pasta dish made with basil pesto and heavy cream, perfect for a comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta your choice, such as penne or fettuccine
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add the basil pesto and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is well combined. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  5. Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.
  • You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
  • For a vegetarian option, include sautéed vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

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