Entrees Pasta

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

This Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is a dish that truly embodies the essence of comfort food. The creamy sauce clings to the penne pasta, providing each bite with a rich, luxurious flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The pesto sauce itself is a symphony of flavors, with the sharpness of garlic and the nuttiness of Parmesan cheese beautifully balanced by the freshness of basil and the creamy richness of heavy cream. Every mouthful is a delight, with the tender penne pasta acting as the perfect vessel to deliver the bold and delicious flavors of the pesto sauce.

The creamy texture of the sauce is particularly noteworthy, adding an extra level of indulgence to the dish. As you take a bite, the creamy sauce coats your mouth, providing a velvety smoothness that is nothing short of heavenly. The combination of the creamy sauce and tender pasta creates a sensation that is both rich and comforting, making it the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a comforting dinner after a long day.

Overall, Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is a dish that is simply bursting with flavor and deliciousness. From the creamy, velvety texture to the bold and flavorful pesto sauce, every bite is a celebration of comfort and indulgence. It’s no wonder that this dish is a favorite of so many pasta lovers around the world.

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

I love Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

As a wife and mom, I am always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make meals that my family will love. And let me tell you, Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta has quickly become a household favorite! The rich and creamy sauce coats each perfectly cooked penne pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. With just the right amount of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and basil, every bite of this pasta dish is bursting with flavor.

It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time but still want to make something that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is sure to impress. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Delicious and Quick

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is a delicious and quick meal that is sure to please a crowd. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, complements the pesto perfectly, creating a velvety texture that coats the penne pasta. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in the pesto sauce adds a burst of flavor to the dish, while the creaminess of the sauce balances the boldness of the pesto. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something quick and easy that the whole family will love. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes – you can add in chicken, shrimp, or veggies to make it even heartier. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so appealing, and the fact that it’s ready in under 30 minutes makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

What to eat with Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is a rich and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to eat with Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta:

  1. Garlic Bread: Serve warm and crispy garlic bread alongside the pasta. It’s the perfect vessel for sopping up the delicious sauce.
  2. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers are a healthy and tasty option that will complement the creamy pasta.
  3. Caesar Salad: The classic Caesar salad with crunchy croutons and a tangy dressing is a refreshing side dish that will balance out the richness of the pasta.
  4. Bruschetta: Fresh and vibrant bruschetta made with diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil is a great way to start the meal and can also be served as a side.
  5. Roasted Asparagus: Tender and flavorful roasted asparagus with a hint of garlic and lemon is a light and healthy side dish that will go well with the pasta.
  6. Caprese Salad: A colorful and refreshing caprese salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze is a perfect match for the creamy pasta.
  7. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy and golden roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs like rosemary and thyme are a hearty and comforting side that will complement the pasta.
  8. Steamed Broccoli: Tender and nutrient-packed steamed broccoli is a simple and healthy side dish that will add a pop of green to the meal.
  9. Antipasto Platter: A colorful and flavorful antipasto platter with an assortment of cured meats, olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables is a great option for entertaining and sharing with friends and family.
  10. Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken with a hint of smoky flavor and a light seasoning is a great protein option that will go well with the creamy pasta.
Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Equipment is Needed to make Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Here is a descriptive list of equipment needed to make Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta:

  1. Large Pot: A large pot is necessary for boiling the pasta to al dente.
  2. Strainer: A strainer or colander is used to drain the pasta after boiling.
  3. Blender or Food Processor: A blender or food processor is necessary for making the pesto sauce. It helps to blend the ingredients into a smooth and creamy texture.
  4. Saucepan: A saucepan is required for heating the cream and butter to create the creamy sauce.
  5. Wooden Spoon: A wooden spoon is necessary for stirring the pasta and sauce.
  6. Garlic Press: A garlic press is optional but recommended for crushing the garlic into a fine texture.
  7. Grater: A grater is optional but can be used to grate the Parmesan cheese for the pesto sauce.
  8. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are necessary for measuring the ingredients accurately.

Having these equipment will make the preparation of the Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta much easier and efficient.

How to Make Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Indulge in a bowl of creamy goodness with every bite of our irresistible Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta! This classic Italian dish is transformed into a velvety and satisfying meal that will leave you wanting more. Every forkful of al dente penne coated in a luxuriously creamy pesto sauce is a burst of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The addition of heavy cream takes the traditional pesto sauce up a notch, providing a rich and luscious mouthfeel.

The dish is also incredibly quick and easy to make, making it a go-to crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, our Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. While the food processor is running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Transfer the pesto sauce to a large skillet over medium heat.
  5. Add the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the pesto sauce.
  7. Serve the creamy penne pesto pasta immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped basil, if desired.

This Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta recipe without pine nuts is the perfect solution for those who love the classic pesto pasta but can’t have or don’t have pine nuts. The addition of heavy cream creates a rich and velvety sauce that is sure to impress your family and friends. This dish is quick, easy, and delicious, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or entertaining. Enjoy!

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Tips to make the prefect Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta:

  1. Cook the pasta al dente: To avoid having mushy pasta, cook the penne until it’s just tender, but still has a bite to it. This way, it will hold up well when mixed with the pesto sauce.
  2. Use fresh ingredients: The flavor of this dish heavily relies on the freshness of the ingredients used, especially the basil. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste.
  3. Adjust the consistency of the sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit more heavy cream or olive oil. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more Parmesan cheese or let it simmer for a bit longer.
  4. Season to taste: Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning of the dish before serving. Depending on the saltiness of the Parmesan cheese you used, you may need to add more salt or pepper.
  5. Serve immediately: Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is best served immediately after it’s made. The longer it sits, the more the sauce will thicken and the pasta will become less flavorful.

By following these tips, you can make the perfect Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta every time.

Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta
Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta
Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta

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At Appetizers & Entrees, we're all about bringing people together with our dishes. From creamy pastas to crispy appetizers, there's something for everyone. Gather your loved ones and let's start cooking!

8 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Lavanda, I just had to come back and thank you again for this amazing Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta recipe! The way the flavors come together is truly magical. It’s the perfect blend of creaminess, savory pesto, and al dente penne pasta. My taste buds are singing

  2. 5 stars
    This Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta recipe has become a go-to for me. The pesto sauce is so flavorful and the creaminess of the pasta is irresistible.

  3. 5 stars
    Your Creamy Penne Pesto Pasta is my new favorite dish! Thank you, Lavanda, for making it so easy to make and so delicious.

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