Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana Recipe ๐
Overview:
Enjoy the delightful flavors of Italy with this Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana recipe! Perfect for a quick and savory meal, this dish combines the freshness of basil, the richness of cheeses, and the creaminess of a delectable sauce. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering pasta dish that’s sure to impress.
- Name: Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Rating: โญโญโญโญ (1 review)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 12 | Fresh basil |
| 3 | Garlic cloves |
| 1/3 cup | Olive oil |
| 2 | Cream cheese |
| 8 oz | Cottage cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese |
| 1/3 cup | Dry white wine |
| 1/3 cup | Fresh parsley |
| 1/4 cup | Water |
| 1/3 cup | Vegetable broth |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 639.9
- Fat: 31.4g
- Saturated Fat: 15.8g
- Cholesterol: 73.6mg
- Sodium: 412.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 68.3g
- Fiber: 7.4g
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Protein: 23.6g
Instructions:
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Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set it aside, keeping it warm for later.
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Prepare Sauce: In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh basil and garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the flavors to infuse into the oil.
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Add Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Stir the cheeses until they are melted and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
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Enhance Flavor: Stir in the dry white wine and fresh parsley, combining them well with the cheese mixture. Then, add either water or vegetable broth to the skillet, depending on your preference.
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Thicken Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it slightly thickens. This will intensify the flavors and create a luscious texture for the pasta.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix the pasta with the sauce until it is well coated, ensuring that every strand is infused with the creamy pesto goodness.
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Serve: Plate the Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana, garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves and additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Italy!
Tips:
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese and cottage cheese.
- Feel free to add some protein to this dish by tossing in grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Experiment with different types of pasta shapes to change up the texture and presentation of the dish.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Indulge in the creamy, savory goodness of this Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana recipe, perfect for any day of the week when you’re craving a taste of Italy ๐ฎ๐น!
