Description
Cheese Pesto Pasta is a delightful, creamy dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta with vibrant homemade pesto and a luscious cheese sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or quick family dinners. Enjoy a rich blend of fresh basil, gooey cream cheese, and nutty Parmesan in every bite. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for an even more satisfying experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a food processor, blend basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan. Slowly add olive oil while blending until smooth. Season to taste.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese and milk. Stir until melted and creamy; add reserved pasta water if too thick.
- Mix cooked pasta with cheesy sauce and pesto in a large bowl until well coated.
- Heat gently on low for two minutes while stirring continuously.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan or toasted pine nuts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 300g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg