Creamy Basil & Blue Cheese Pasta with Pine Nuts
Indulge in this luxurious yet guilt-free pasta dish that boasts a creamy sauce made with vibrant fresh basil and rich blue cheese. Enhanced by the nutty crunch of pine nuts and a delightful hint of garlic, this recipe perfectly balances flavor and health. With low-fat yogurt and ricotta as the base, this dish provides a refreshing alternative to traditional creamy pastas while delivering a heavenly flavor that will impress your guests. Ideal for lunch or a light snack, this pasta is both satisfying and delightful. Give it a try for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
2 cloves (crushed)
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup (chopped finely)
Low-fat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
Low-fat ricotta cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Crumbled blue cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Sherry wine or apple juice
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Pine nuts
3 tablespoons (toasted)
Pasta (fettuccine, linguine, etc.)
9 ounces (none)
Instructions
1
In a blender or food processor, pulse together the crushed garlic and finely chopped basil until well combined.
2
Add the ricotta cheese, low-fat plain yogurt, crumbled blue cheese, sherry wine (or apple juice), salt, and pepper into the blender, and blend until smooth and creamy.
3
Stir in the toasted pine nuts gently with a spatula or spoon, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
4
Cook the pasta of your choice according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
5
In a large saucepan over low heat, warm the creamy sauce gently—do not allow it to boil, as this can alter the consistency.
6
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7
Serve immediately, topped with additional pine nuts or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this pasta dish?
The dish is called Creamy Basil & Blue Cheese Pasta with Pine Nuts.
What types of pasta are recommended for this recipe?
You can use fettuccine, linguine, or any other pasta of your choice.
How do you make the pasta sauce creamy without heavy cream?
The sauce achieves its creamy consistency using a blend of low-fat plain yogurt and low-fat ricotta cheese.
What role does blue cheese play in the recipe?
Blue cheese adds a rich and indulgent flavor that balances the fresh basil and nutty pine nuts.
Can I substitute the sherry wine?
Yes, you can use apple juice as a non-alcoholic substitute for the sherry wine.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of garlic that should be crushed before blending.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a guilt-free, wholesome, and healthy alternative to traditional creamy pastas.
How should the fresh basil be processed?
The fresh basil leaves should be finely chopped and pulsed in a blender with the garlic.
Should the pine nuts be raw or toasted?
The pine nuts should be toasted to provide a delightful nutty crunch.
How much pasta is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 9 ounces of pasta.
What kitchen equipment is needed for the sauce?
A blender or food processor is required to pulse the ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente according to the instructions on the package.
Why should I avoid boiling the creamy sauce?
You should not boil the sauce because it can alter the consistency of the yogurt and cheese base.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Salt and pepper should be added to taste.
How is the dish served?
Serve the pasta immediately, optionally topped with additional pine nuts or fresh basil.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as ideal for lunch or a light snack.
Can I use apple juice instead of sherry?
Yes, the recipe suggests 2 teaspoons of either sherry wine or apple juice.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
Use a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
What are the suggested garnishes?
You can garnish the dish with additional toasted pine nuts or fresh basil leaves.
What kind of yogurt is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of low-fat plain yogurt.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 crushed garlic cloves.
How much fresh basil is used?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
When do I add the pine nuts?
Stir the toasted pine nuts gently into the sauce using a spatula after the sauce has been blended smooth.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe.
What gives the sauce its vibrant color?
The vibrant green color comes from the 1 cup of fresh basil leaves.
Is this dish appropriate for guests?
Yes, the recipe is described as having a heavenly flavor that will impress your guests.
Can I use linguine for this recipe?
Yes, linguine is specifically mentioned as a recommended pasta choice.
Can I use fettuccine for this recipe?
Yes, fettuccine is specifically mentioned as a recommended pasta choice.
What heat level should be used to warm the sauce?
The sauce should be warmed gently over low heat in a large saucepan.