Basil Bliss: Creamy Penne Pesto Delight

Penne Pesto Recipe

🍝 Name: Penne Pesto
⏱️ Cook Time: 10 minutes
🔪 Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
🥘 Recipe Category: Penne
🔍 Keywords: European, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
👨‍🍳 Recipe Servings: 4

Description:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Penne Pesto recipe, meticulously crafted for you to enjoy with family and friends. With a burst of fresh basil, savory pine nuts, and creamy cheese, this dish brings the essence of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. Prepare to be amazed by the tantalizing aroma and exquisite taste that this recipe from lovewithrecipes.com has to offer!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons romano cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups penne pasta

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 368.4
• Fat Content: 17.2g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5.1g
• Cholesterol Content: 18.8mg
• Sodium Content: 388.9mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 44.4g
• Fiber Content: 6.6g
• Sugar Content: 0.4g
• Protein Content: 11.6g

Recipe Instructions:

1. Prepare Pesto Mixture:

   • Combine fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and garlic in a food processor.
   • Process the ingredients until finely minced, ensuring a smooth consistency.
   • Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.

2. Incorporate Cheese and Butter:

   • Stir in fresh parmesan cheese, romano cheese, and butter into the pesto mixture.
   • Blend the ingredients until evenly combined, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

3. Cook Pasta:

   • Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions, ensuring it is al dente.
   • Omit adding salt and fat to the boiling water, as the pesto sauce will provide ample seasoning.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Drain the cooked pasta using a colander placed over a bowl, reserving 3 tablespoons of the cooking liquid.
   • Add the drained pasta and reserved cooking liquid to the prepared pesto mixture.
   • Toss the pasta with the pesto sauce until evenly coated, ensuring each strand is infused with flavor.
   • Serve the Penne Pesto hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.

Tips:

• To reduce the fat content, use less oil, pine nuts, cheese, and butter than typically called for in traditional pesto recipes.
• When measuring basil leaves, avoid packing them tightly to prevent using an excessive amount.
• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients such as cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
• Store any leftover Penne Pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this Penne Pesto recipe, a delightful fusion of Mediterranean flavors that is sure to become a family favorite! 🌿🧀🍝