Creamy Pesto Pasta

$Here’s what you need to make creamy pesto pasta: - 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne) - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When measuring ingredients, use dry measuring cups for solids. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. Level off dry ingredients with a knife for accuracy. If a recipe calls for "1 cup," it means you fill the cup to the top, then level it off. This simple step ensures your dish turns out great every time. You can swap some ingredients if needed: - For pasta, use any shape you like, such as spaghetti or rotini. - Instead of heavy cream, you can try half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option. - If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, diced regular tomatoes work too. - For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. These easy swaps let you customize the dish to your taste, making it even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions linked above. First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, toss in 8 oz of pasta. You can use fettuccine or penne. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Save about ½ cup of the pasta water for later. Next, take a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to blister and soften a bit. Now, lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then add 1 cup of basil pesto. Stir well until the mixture is combined. Heat it through but do not let it boil. After your sauce is ready, add in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, mix in some reserved pasta water. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss it in the creamy pesto sauce. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, your creamy pesto pasta is ready to serve! To make great pasta, start with a large pot. Use plenty of water and add salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a boil before adding the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Remember to save some pasta water. It helps when mixing with the sauce. Using fresh basil makes a big difference. If you can, try making your own pesto. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for a vibrant taste. When you mix the pesto with cream, do it slowly. This ensures a smooth blend. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. It gives the dish a nice warmth. When serving creamy pesto pasta, presentation matters. Use a large bowl or individual plates. Top with fresh basil leaves for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan brings a nice touch. For a fun twist, add halved cherry tomatoes on top. They add sweetness and brightness to each bite. Enjoy your meal with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy pesto pasta. Chicken and shrimp are great choices. For chicken, use grilled or sautéed pieces. Cook them until golden brown, then mix them in with the pasta. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Sauté shrimp until they turn pink, then add them to the dish. You can also try cooked sausage or even tofu for a meat-free option. These protein additions make the meal hearty and satisfying. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and flavor. Spinach is a perfect choice; it wilts nicely in the sauce. Broccoli florets also work well. Steam them slightly before adding to the pasta. For a burst of color, consider bell peppers, zucchini, or even peas. These veggies not only taste great but also give your dish more texture. You can mix in roasted veggies for a smoky flavor too. This way, you create a vibrant meal that is both tasty and healthy. You can adapt this creamy pesto pasta for different diets. For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This keeps the creamy texture while removing dairy. For gluten-free pasta, choose options like rice or quinoa pasta. They cook similarly and work well with the sauce. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients fit your dietary needs. With these simple swaps, you can enjoy creamy pesto pasta without missing out on flavor. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store your creamy pesto pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to eat, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If using the stovetop, add the pasta to a pan. Use low heat and stir often. Add a bit of cream or water if the sauce is too thick. Freezing creamy pesto pasta is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for about 2 months. To enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For quick meals, this makes creamy pesto pasta a go-to choice! Check out the Full Recipe for all the details. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and tastes great. Many brands offer quality pesto. Look for one with fresh ingredients like basil, olive oil, and nuts. If you want a richer flavor, try adding some extra cheese or nuts to the dish. Fettuccine and penne work best with creamy pesto. Fettuccine's flat shape holds the sauce well. Penne's tubes catch the sauce inside. Other options include rotini or spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape for a fun twist. To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also add more veggies like spinach or zucchini. Reducing the cheese amount helps too. You still get great flavor without all the calories. For a fresh taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice. This post covered how to make creamy pesto pasta. We discussed key ingredients and measurements. I shared tips for perfect cooking and flavor. You learned about protein and vegetable options for variety. We covered storage methods and warm-up tips for leftovers. To sum it up, creamy pesto pasta is easy and fun. You can tweak it to fit your taste and needs. Enjoy cooking and experimenting with this delicious dish!$

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy pesto pasta with cherry tomatoes that will elevate your next meal! This simple recipe combines al dente pasta, luscious basil pesto, and fresh cherry tomatoes for a delightful dish that's sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it's easy to make and bursting with flavor. Click to explore the full recipe, and enjoy a comforting bowl of deliciousness today!

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)

1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.

Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they start to blister and soften.

Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, then add the basil pesto. Mix well until combined and heated through.

Mix in Cheese and Pasta: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy pesto sauce until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the creamy pesto pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | Serves 4