Creamy Pesto Penne with Low-Carb Pasta
Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of our Creamy Pesto Penne, a guilt-free delight crafted with innovative low-carb pasta. This dish combines the fresh taste of basil pesto with a luscious cream sauce, all while keeping carbs in check. Ideal as a satisfying side dish or a delectable main course, it's perfect for pasta enthusiasts on a low-carb journey. Featuring grated Parmesan cheese for a salty kick and the option to add vibrant grape tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor, this dish promises to be a hit at your dining table. Note: When calculating carb counts, remember to include the net carbs from your chosen low-carb pasta brand.
8
Servings
69
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-carb pasta
16 ounces (Cooked according to package directions)
basil pesto
1/4 cup (Store-bought, found in the refrigerator section)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (Grated, reserve some for garnish)
heavy cream
8 ounces (Pour directly into the pasta mixture)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (Drizzle over the pasta)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the low-carb pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water to use later if needed.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot pasta with basil pesto and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
3
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and drizzle with olive oil, mixing until evenly coated. If the pasta feels too dry, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce adhere beautifully.
4
For an added burst of flavor and color, toss in halved grape tomatoes at this stage and gently mix to combine.
5
Serve each portion topped with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.
Nutrition Information
5.6
Fat
1.9
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Pesto Penne with Low-Carb Pasta.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 69 calories per serving.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5.6 grams of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 1.9 grams of protein per serving.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of low-carb pasta.
How much basil pesto is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of basil pesto.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used in the mixture and for garnish.
How much heavy cream is required?
You will need 8 ounces of heavy cream.
How much olive oil is used?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are drizzled over the pasta.
Should I save any pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Why is reserved pasta water used in the sauce?
The starch in the water helps the sauce adhere to the pasta and achieve the desired creaminess.
Can I add tomatoes to this recipe?
Yes, you can toss in halved grape tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Is this dish served as a main or side?
It can be served as a satisfying side dish or a delectable main course.
How should the pasta be prepared?
Cook the low-carb pasta according to the package directions and drain it.
How is the creamy pesto sauce made?
Combine the hot pasta with basil pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl.
What do I do if the pasta feels too dry?
Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is reached.
How is the dish finished for serving?
Serve each portion topped with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.
Where is the basil pesto usually found in stores?
It is typically found in the refrigerator section of the grocery store.
How do I calculate the net carbs for this meal?
Remember to include the net carbs from your specifically chosen brand of low-carb pasta.
What are the flavor characteristics of this dish?
It features rich, aromatic basil pesto combined with a luscious cream sauce and salty Parmesan.
What are the dietary tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include low-carb, pasta, pesto, creamy sauce, parmesan, healthy, dinner, side dish, vegetarian, and quick meal.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a guilt-free delight for those on a low-carb journey.
What is the primary preparation step for the sauce?
Stirring the pesto and heavy cream into the hot pasta to blend the flavors thoroughly.
When should the optional grape tomatoes be added?
Toss them in after mixing the cheese and oil, then gently mix to combine.
Is the Parmesan cheese grated or shredded?
The recipe specifies using grated Parmesan cheese.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients listed, plus optional tomatoes.
Is this recipe good for quick meals?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, making it perfect for a fast dinner.
Can I use any low-carb pasta brand?
Yes, use your preferred brand and cook it according to its specific package instructions.