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This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever
vegetariancontains dairy
Home / This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever
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Su Kumar ยท DishBloom Kitchen

This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever

Indulge in a rich and creamy pesto pasta thats quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. With a blend of fresh basil and creamy goodness, this dish will elevate your dinner experience.

4.5
25 minutes min
🍴4 servings
🔥550 cal
🔖Easy
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30 second summary

A luxurious yet simple pasta dish featuring creamy pesto sauce.

Nutrition per serving

550Calories
18gProtein
70gCarbs
25gFat
3gFiber

Ingredients

4servings

Protein

Vegetables

Sauce

Garnish

Spices and Seasoning

Instructions

1

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

2

Prepare the Pesto

In a blender, combine basil, garlic, pine nuts, salt, pepper, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.

3

Mix Pesto with Cream

In a large skillet, over medium heat, combine heavy cream and pesto. Stir until well mixed and creamy.

4

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy pesto sauce. If too thick, add a dash of water to thin it.

5

Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and garnish with grated parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Substitutions

heavy creamcoconut milk
pine nutswalnuts
parmesan cheesenutritional yeast

Common mistakes

Not salting the pasta water sufficiently can result in bland pasta.
Over-blending the pesto can make it too watery instead of thick and creamy.
Forgetting to reserve some pasta water for adjusting sauce thickness.

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving

550
Calories
18g
Protein
70g
Carbs
25g
Fat
Fiber3g
Servings4
Prep Time10 minutes min
Cook Time15 minutes min
Total Time25 minutes min
DifficultyEasy

Dietary Information

vegetariancontains dairy

Allergen Notice

Please check individual ingredients for allergens. Common allergens in recipes may include:

DairyEggsGlutenNutsSoyShellfish

Always verify ingredients if you have food allergies or sensitivities. See substitutions above for allergen-free alternatives.

Health Benefits

🍴 Home Cooked: Cooking at home means you control the ingredients, the portions, and the quality. No hidden additives or excessive sodium.

Good For

Family MealHome CookingMeal Prep

Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredient data. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and serving sizes. This information is not a substitute for professional dietary advice. Consult a healthcare provider for specific dietary needs.

Reviews

I made this!

Nutrition Breakdown

Each serving of This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever contains approximately 550 calories, making it a hearty, substantial meal ideal for active individuals or as a main course. With 18g of protein per serving, this recipe provides a good amount of protein to help keep you satisfied. The 70g of carbohydrates provide sustained energy, making it ideal before or after physical activity, while the 25g of fat content adds richness and flavor โ€” consider using lighter cooking methods to reduce this if needed.

With 3g of fiber per serving, this dish contributes to your daily fiber intake goal of 25-38g.At approximately $2.5 per serving, this recipe offers exceptional value for budget-conscious home cooks.For a complete macro breakdown of any ingredient in this recipe, use our free calorie calculator.

Cooking Tips

Prep ahead: This recipe only needs 10 minutes minutes of prep โ€” quick enough for a weeknight dinner.

Serving suggestion: Pair with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of water when reheating to prevent drying out.

Make it healthier: To reduce calories, consider using less oil, swapping cream for Greek yogurt, or increasing the vegetable portions.

Ingredient Substitutions

heavy creamโ†’
pine nutsโ†’
parmesan cheeseโ†’

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever?

One serving of This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever contains approximately 550 calories, 18g protein, 70g carbs, and 25g fat. Use our calorie calculator to check custom portion sizes.

How long does it take to make This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever?

This recipe takes 10 minutes minutes to prep and 15 minutes minutes to cook, for a total of 25 minutes minutes from start to finish. Worth the wait โ€” the longer cook time develops deeper flavors.

Can I meal prep This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever?

Yes! This recipe makes 4 servings, making it ideal for meal prep. Store in individual containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What goes well with This Creamy Pesto Pasta Will Make You Rethink Weeknight Dinners Forever?

Serve alongside garlic bread, a Caesar salad, or with a glass of red wine.

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