Description
Creamy pesto pasta delivers Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan into a silky sauce. Weeknight dinners become gourmet experiences with this simple, aromatic dish that invites you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
Proteins and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, then introduce sliced mushrooms and sundried tomatoes, sautéing until they develop a golden-brown caramelization and become tender, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for 30-45 seconds without browning.
- Pour basil pesto and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring gently to create a harmonious, creamy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes, melding the flavors together.
- Gently fold the drained pasta into the pesto cream sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated with the vibrant, herb-infused mixture.
- Transfer the pesto pasta to serving plates and generously garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, creating a delectable finishing touch.
Notes
- Elevate the dish’s nutrition by adding roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vitamins and fiber.
- Make the recipe gluten-free by substituting regular penne with chickpea or rice pasta, maintaining the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
- Reduce the calorie content by replacing heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light coconut milk, creating a lighter yet still luxurious sauce.
- Enhance protein intake by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, transforming the pasta into a more substantial meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg