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Crispy Creamy Pesto Pasta

A delightful twist on traditional pesto pasta that combines creamy textures with crispy edges, creating a gourmet experience at home.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (e.g., fettuccine, penne, or farfalle) Cook according to package instructions.
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves Fresh basil is recommended for best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts) Can be toasted for enhanced flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can be adjusted for a lighter dish.
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Optional: cherry tomatoes and additional pine nuts for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
Making the Pesto
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding the prepared pesto. Stir well to combine, and add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
Combining
  1. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy pesto sauce.
Crisping
  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated pasta in an even layer, letting it cook without stirring for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is crispy. Flip portions to crisp up the other side if desired.
Serving
  1. Plate your Crispy Creamy Pesto Pasta and garnish with cherry tomatoes and additional pine nuts if you like. Enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. To bring back the crispy texture, reheat in a skillet with a splash of olive oil.