Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana Recipes

JUICY PESTO PASTA!

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to the boil with the salt.
• Add pasta and cook for the length of time per the packet.
• Just before draining, scoop out 1 cup of of the pasta cooking water.
• Drain pasta in a colander, leave it for a minute.
• Transfer pasta to a bowl (do not use pasta cooking pot, too hot).
• Add pesto and 1/4 cup of pasta water. Toss to coat pasta in pesto, adding more water if required to make pasta silky and saucy, rather than dry and sticky.
• Taste, add more salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parmesan.

CREAMY PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Boil the pasta according to package instructions.
• While the pasta cooks, melt the butter over medium heat in a large pan. Add the cream and whisk the two together.
• Add the pesto and lemon zest and whisk to combine. Cook the sauce (don't let it boil) for a couple of minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat it in the sauce. Squeeze the lemon juice over the top, toss again, and serve.

CREAMY PESTO PASTA ITALIANA

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions; drain well and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook basil and garlic in hot oil about 1 minute.
• Reduce heat and add cream cheese, cottage cheese, and Parmesan cheese; stir until smooth.
• Stir in white wine, parsley, and water (or vegetable broth, if using).
• Cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• Add pasta and mix until well coated.
• Serve each dish garnished with fresh basil and additional freshly grated pamesan cheese if desired.

SIMPLE CREAMY PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Put pasta on to boil.
• While the pasta is cooking, melt the first lot of butter and saute mushrooms, garlic and proscuitto (or ham). Remove from pan, keep warm.
• Melt second lot of butter. Add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in stock and milk and cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens.
• Add the mushrooms, proscuitto and cheese.
• Stir until cheese is melted.
• Add the pesto, salt and pepper.
• Toss hot pasta with sauce and serve immediately.