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Easy Pesto Pasta First Image

Creamy Pesto Pasta


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  • Author: Chef John
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy pesto pasta is a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used rigatoni)
  • 1 cup pesto (click for my recipe or use your favorite jarred variety)
  • 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)
  • Freshly grated parmesan cheese (optional, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Boil a large, salted pot of water for the pasta and cook it al dente according to package directions.
  2. Meanwhile, add the pesto and cream to a skillet, give it a good stir, and simmer for 5-7 minutes over medium heat or until it’s thickened up to your liking. If the sauce gets too thick, simply thin it with some of the hot pasta water.
  3. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet and toss with the sauce. Season with salt & pepper as needed (go easy as some jarred pesto varieties can be salty) and top freshly grated parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe can be easily adjusted for dietary preferences by using gluten-free pasta or dairy alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2 grams
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 34 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 18 grams
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
  • Trans Fat: 0 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Fiber: 3 grams
  • Protein: 10 grams
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg