Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta! This dish masterfully combines the rich, velvety texture of traditional Alfredo sauce with the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade pesto. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to delight family and friends alike. The balance of creamy and herbal notes creates a decadent experience, while the ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for any home cook. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the ideal solution for a satisfying one-dish meal!
5
Servings
440
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup (washed and loosely packed)
Pine nuts or walnuts
1/3 cup (lightly toasted)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
Olive oil
1/3 cup (extra virgin)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/4 cups (divided)
Whipping cream
1 cup (heavy cream)
Capellini or spaghettini
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Minced fresh basil
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, toasted pine nuts (or walnuts), and peeled garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
2
With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil through the feed tube, blending until the mixture is smooth. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
3
Transfer the pesto to a small jar or airtight container. To prevent oxidation, pour a thin layer of olive oil over the surface. This pesto can be made up to 4 days in advance, making it convenient for a quick weeknight meal.
4
In a medium saucepan, bring the heavy whipping cream to a gentle boil. Once boiling, whisk in the prepared pesto and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, creamy pesto sauce, and the remaining 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Toss continuously until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
6
Serve immediately, garnished with minced fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired. For a saucier dish, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
31g
Fat
34g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta?
It is a decadent comfort food dish that combines rich, velvety Alfredo sauce with the fresh, vibrant flavors of homemade pesto.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, and it can be ready in under 30 minutes.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes a total of 5 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of capellini or spaghettini, cooked al dente.
Can I substitute the pine nuts in the pesto?
Yes, you can use either 1/3 cup of pine nuts or walnuts, as long as they are lightly toasted.
How is the homemade pesto prepared?
Pulse basil, toasted nuts, and garlic in a food processor, then gradually blend in olive oil and stir in 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, the pesto can be prepared up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
How do I prevent the pesto from oxidizing?
To prevent the pesto from turning brown, pour a thin layer of olive oil over its surface before sealing the container.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 440 calories in each serving of the Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 31g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 34g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 11g of protein.
What are the ingredients for the Alfredo portion of the sauce?
The Alfredo base is made by boiling 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and whisking in the prepared pesto and Parmesan.
How can I make the pasta dish saucier?
For a saucier consistency, simply add a splash of milk to the pasta and sauce until you reach your desired texture.
What is recommended for garnish?
Garnish the dish with minced fresh basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed in total?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, which is divided between the pesto and the final assembly.
What kind of olive oil should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The pesto requires 2 peeled garlic cloves.
What is the first step in creating the sauce?
Bring the heavy whipping cream to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan before whisking in the pesto.
How should the final dish be mixed?
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy pesto sauce and the remaining 3/4 cup of Parmesan until well coated.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, its under-30-minute preparation time makes it an ideal solution for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
How much fresh basil is used?
You will need 1 cup of washed and loosely packed fresh basil leaves for the pesto.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe features 8 main ingredients.
Do the nuts need to be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for the pine nuts or walnuts to be lightly toasted.
Can I use heavy cream instead of whipping cream?
The recipe explicitly calls for 1 cup of heavy whipping cream for the best results.
Is this dish considered Italian?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as Italian cuisine.
When should the dish be served?
The pasta should be served immediately after tossing it with the sauce and garnish.
How do I chop the ingredients in the food processor?
Pulse the basil, nuts, and garlic until they are finely chopped before adding the oil.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include pasta, alfredo, pesto, one dish meal, comfort food, Italian, and quick meal.