Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce with Broccoli
Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with this Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce, inspired by the beloved family recipe passed down from my mom. Featuring a luscious blend of fresh basil, rich cream cheese, and savory Parmesan cheese, this sauce elevates any pasta dish to new heights. The addition of sautéed garlic and tender broccoli enhances both the flavor and nutritional value, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners. Perfect when paired with fresh homemade pasta, this sauce is bound to impress your guests, leaving them asking for seconds—if not the recipe itself!
4
Servings
200
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Fresh basil or parsley
3/4 cup (loosely packed)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (extra virgin)
Cooked broccoli
1/2 cup (chopped)
Light cream cheese
250 ml (softened)
Hot pasta water
as needed (for sauce consistency)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2
Stir in the fresh basil (or parsley) and chopped broccoli, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender and vibrant.
3
Transfer the sautéed mixture to a food processor or blender. Add the softened cream cheese and blend until smooth, adding hot pasta water gradually until the desired sauce consistency is achieved.
4
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary—feel free to add salt or a pinch of pepper.
5
Pour the creamy basil pesto sauce over freshly cooked pasta, tossing until well-coated. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
6.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce with Broccoli?
This is a rich and luscious pasta sauce featuring a blend of fresh basil, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, enhanced with sautéed garlic and tender broccoli.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include garlic cloves, fresh basil or parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, cooked broccoli, and light cream cheese.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12.5g of fat per serving in this recipe.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
Each serving contains 15g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 6.25g of protein per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
Can I use parsley instead of basil?
Yes, you can use 3/4 cup of either fresh basil or parsley depending on your preference.
What type of cream cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 250 ml of light cream cheese, which should be softened for easier blending.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The two garlic cloves should be minced before being sautéed in olive oil.
Why is hot pasta water used in the recipe?
Hot pasta water is added gradually to the sauce during blending to help achieve your desired sauce consistency.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Does the broccoli need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires 1/2 cup of cooked and chopped broccoli.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute.
How long should the broccoli and herbs be cooked in the pan?
The fresh basil (or parsley) and chopped broccoli should be cooked for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
What equipment is needed to make the sauce creamy?
You will need a food processor or a blender to combine the sautéed mixture with the cream cheese until smooth.
Can I adjust the seasonings of the sauce?
Yes, you should taste the sauce and adjust with salt or a pinch of pepper if necessary.
How should I serve this sauce?
Pour the sauce over freshly cooked pasta and toss until well-coated, serving immediately.
Are there any suggested toppings for this dish?
The recipe suggests serving with extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a beloved family recipe passed down from the creator's mother.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, the creamy texture and flavor profile are designed to impress guests.
What culinary category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as European, specifically with Italian influences.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its rich, creamy texture and pasta base.
How should the basil be measured?
The 3/4 cup of fresh basil or parsley should be loosely packed.
Is this a good recipe for quick cooking?
Yes, it is tagged with 'easy cooking' and involves straightforward sautéing and blending steps.
Can I use homemade pasta with this sauce?
Absolutely; the recipe notes that it is perfect when paired with fresh homemade pasta.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 7 ingredients.
What should the broccoli look like before blending?
The broccoli should be cooked until it is tender and vibrant in color.
Is this sauce vegetarian?
Based on the ingredients list of vegetables, cheese, and oil, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.