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Creamy Pesto Pasta

Creamy Pesto Pasta: Quick, Velvety Goodness in 10 Minutes

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Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick, delicious meal ready in just 10 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Provides richness and serves as the base for your creamy sauce; melt gently to avoid browning.
  • 4 tablespoons Flour Thickens the sauce; use cornstarch or potato starch as gluten-free options.
  • 2 cups Milk Creates a silky consistency; whole or low-fat milk works best.
  • to taste teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavor; feel free to adjust to suit your taste.
  • ½ to ¾ cup Pesto Infuses the dish with herbaceous goodness; adjust to preferred flavor intensity.
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Pasta Any shape is suitable; spaghetti or fettuccine recommended.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  2. Cook your chosen pasta—spaghetti or fettuccine recommended—according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve about a cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until completely liquid but not browned. Gradually whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour until well combined.
  4. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
  5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in ½ to ¾ cup of pesto, mixing well until evenly distributed and heated through.
  6. Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Pour the creamy pesto sauce over the pasta and toss gently until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water if the mixture is too thick.
  7. Consider mixing in cooked proteins or fresh vegetables before serving. Plate your creamy pesto pasta and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave homemade meal comfort.

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