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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
Why you’ll love this dish
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is the kind of meal that brings comfort and joy with every bite. It’s an effortless blend of flavors and textures, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for kids or impressing guests, this dish caters to everyone’s palate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served at elegant gatherings.
“I made this for dinner last night, and my whole family loved it! The creamy sauce combined with the pesto was a winner. I’ll definitely be adding this to our regular rotation!” — a happy home cook.
The cooking process explained
Crafting Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a breeze! The recipe revolves around cooking perfectly al dente penne, sautéing vibrant vegetables, and creating a luscious creamy sauce infused with pesto. Follow along for a straightforward guide, ensuring you create a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
What you’ll need
Gather these items to create your delicious dish:
- 300 g penne pasta
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 6 tbsp pesto sauce
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Freshly chopped parsley
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Choosing high-quality pesto can elevate the flavor significantly. If you’d like to make your own, fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan are key ingredients.
Step-by-step instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil the penne in well-salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Sauté the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your choice of cooking oil. Sauté the diced green pepper and red onion with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Make the roux-like base: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 30-45 seconds, until it’s well mixed.
Create the creamy base: Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Add the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency as you go.
Season the sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Combine pasta and pesto: Remove the skillet from the heat, fold in the pesto, and then add the cooked penne. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated.
Finish and serve: Gently fold in the parsley and plate your pasta. Serve it with grated Parmesan on top, if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a versatile dish that pairs well with various sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich creaminess. Garlic bread is another fantastic accompaniment for those who can’t resist a little more flavor.
For a fun twist, consider adding grilled protein like chicken or shrimp on top, or toss in some cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. This prevents it from drying out.
While freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream’s texture changes, you can prepare the sauce ahead and freeze it without the pasta. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Helpful cooking tips
To take your creamy pasta dish to the next level, consider these practical tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan to enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of pesto according to your taste preference, especially if you love strong basil flavors.
- Incorporating cooked spinach or kale can add a nutritious touch without sacrificing taste.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Add spices such as crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, or try sun-dried tomatoes for extra sweetness.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a vegan alternative, switch to plant-based cream, vegan pesto, and gluten-free pasta.
Common questions
Can I use any type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is used in this recipe, feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or farfalle.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to prepare the pasta and sauce separately to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Mix them together just before serving.
How can I add more protein?
For a protein boost, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Just toss them in with the pasta and sauce for a delightful meal.
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
A delightful blend of al dente pasta, colorful vegetables, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Base
- 300 g penne pasta Can substitute with any pasta shape.
- 6 tbsp pesto sauce High-quality pesto is recommended.
- 2 cups heavy cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour Used to create a thick base for the sauce.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 tsp salt Divided use; 1/2 tsp for sautéing vegetables.
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water To adjust the sauce consistency.
Vegetables and Toppings
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 red onion diced
- Freshly chopped parsley For garnish.
- Grated Parmesan For topping (optional).
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the penne in well-salted water until it’s al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Sautéing Vegetables
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your choice of cooking oil.
- Sauté the diced green pepper and red onion with 1/2 teaspoon of salt until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for 30-45 seconds until well mixed.
- Gradually pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously.
- Add the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency as you go.
- Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Combining and Serving
- Remove the skillet from heat, fold in the pesto, and add the cooked penne. Toss until pasta is well coated.
- Gently fold in the parsley and plate your pasta. Serve with grated Parmesan on top, if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive creaminess. Freezing the pasta is not recommended, but you may freeze the sauce separately.
