Description
A delightful Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe featuring tender al-dente pasta coated in a rich and flavorful homemade creamy pesto sauce, combining the aromatic notes of basil pesto with Parmesan cheese for a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 ounces dried pasta
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and generously season with salt. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al-dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Roux: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter, then add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously and cook for about one minute until the mixture is well incorporated and starts to bubble.
- Add Milk and Seasonings: Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk along with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well to combine.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce on low to medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate Pesto and Cheese: Add 1/3 cup of basil pesto and 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir well until the pesto and cheese are fully combined and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the thickened sauce. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to cook together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for a smoother sauce.
- Be sure to stir the sauce regularly while cooking to prevent lumps and burning.
- Feel free to add cooked chicken or vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of pasta cooking water or milk.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
