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Creamy Pesto Penne Rich and Flavorful Pasta Dish

by on December 10, 2024

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Looking to whip up a dinner that will impress? Creamy Pesto Penne is your go-to dish! This rich pasta is bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any night of the week. In this post, I’ll share my favorite ingredients and simple steps to create a meal that you’ll love. Join me as we dive into this creamy delight, and let’s make dinner delicious together!

- 300g penne pasta - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, peeled - 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste The heart of creamy pesto penne lies in its fresh flavors. The penne pasta acts as the base, holding onto the sauce perfectly. Fresh basil brings a bright taste, while toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch. Parmesan cheese lends a salty depth, and garlic boosts the overall flavor. - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Extra toasted pine nuts - Fresh basil leaves Garnishes elevate the dish. Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Extra pine nuts provide crunch, and fresh basil gives a fragrant touch. These simple additions make your plate look lovely and appetizing. - Use whole wheat penne for a healthier option. - Swap pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dish. You can easily adapt the recipe. If you want a different taste, try whole wheat penne. Walnuts or sunflower seeds can replace pine nuts. Coconut milk can substitute heavy cream for a dairy-free option. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to various diets. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. Once the water boils, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for later. Grab your food processor. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 peeled garlic cloves. Pulse these ingredients together until they are coarsely chopped. This will create a bright green mixture. In a large skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Turn the heat to medium. Warm the cream for about 2-3 minutes. Stir it often to make sure it doesn’t scorch on the bottom. Now, add the pesto you made into the warm cream. Stir it well until everything is blended. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Keep mixing until you get a nice, creamy texture. Take the drained penne and gently add it to the skillet. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Serve the creamy pesto penne in bowls or on plates. For a lovely finish, add halved cherry tomatoes, extra toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your dish! To get the best creamy texture, start with warm cream. Heat it gently in your skillet. This helps the pesto mix smoothly. If your sauce feels thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Just a splash! Stir until you reach that dreamy creamy state. This simple step makes a big difference. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir well to bring back the creamy goodness. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding some lemon juice. A squeeze brightens the dish. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Don't forget about extra cheese! Sprinkling more Parmesan on top gives a nice salty bite. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect balance. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh basil and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish significantly. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or cheeses in the pesto. Walnuts or pecans can provide a unique twist, and you can try different types of cheese for varied flavors. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your opportunity to flavor the pasta from the inside out, enhancing the overall dish. {{image_4}} You can add chicken to your creamy pesto penne for more protein. Start by cooking about 400g of boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then grill or sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through. Slice the chicken into strips and mix it into the pasta just before serving. This addition makes the dish heartier and adds a nice texture. If you want a vegetarian twist, use vegetables instead of chicken. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great choices. Just roast or sauté them until tender. You can toss them with the creamy pesto sauce and pasta at the end. This keeps the dish vibrant and colorful while adding more flavor and nutrients. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. The creamy pesto sauce works well with gluten-free pasta, keeping the dish rich and satisfying. Enjoy the same delightful flavors without the gluten! To store Creamy Pesto Penne, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This will keep the pasta fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir frequently and heat until warm. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating. You can freeze Creamy Pesto Penne, but it may change texture. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. You can use half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both will add a rich taste without dairy. Yes, store-bought pesto works well for this dish. It saves time and still offers great flavor. Just ensure it is a high-quality brand to keep the taste vibrant. Pasta is al dente when it is firm but cooked through. To check, taste a piece a minute before the package time ends. It should have a slight bite. You can spread it on sandwiches or use it as a dip for veggies. Pesto also tastes great on grilled chicken or fish. Mix it into scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast twist. Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. Just heat them gently before serving to enjoy the creamy goodness. Creamy pesto penne is easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tasty tips. You can enjoy it with chicken, keep it vegetarian, or choose gluten-free pasta. Storing and reheating leftover pasta is simple. Explore other uses for pesto to avoid waste. Embrace your kitchen skills. With these ideas, you can create delicious meals. Enjoy cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Fresh Ingredients: This recipe is loaded with fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes, making it not only delicious but also vibrant and nutritious.
  2. Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and homemade pesto creates a luxurious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the penne pasta.
  3. Quick to Prepare: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total of 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner without sacrificing flavor.
  4. Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by adding grilled chicken, vegetables, or using different nuts in the pesto for a unique twist!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Creamy Pesto Penne

– 300g penne pasta

– 1 cup fresh basil leaves

– 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts

– 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 cloves garlic, peeled

– 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil

– 1 cup heavy cream

– Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

The heart of creamy pesto penne lies in its fresh flavors. The penne pasta acts as the base, holding onto the sauce perfectly. Fresh basil brings a bright taste, while toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch. Parmesan cheese lends a salty depth, and garlic boosts the overall flavor.

Optional Garnishes

– Cherry tomatoes, halved

– Extra toasted pine nuts

– Fresh basil leaves

Garnishes elevate the dish. Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Extra pine nuts provide crunch, and fresh basil gives a fragrant touch. These simple additions make your plate look lovely and appetizing.

Substitutions for Key Ingredients

– Use whole wheat penne for a healthier option.

– Swap pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds.

– Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dish.

You can easily adapt the recipe. If you want a different taste, try whole wheat penne. Walnuts or sunflower seeds can replace pine nuts. Coconut milk can substitute heavy cream for a dairy-free option. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to various diets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. Once the water boils, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for later.

Making the Pesto

Grab your food processor. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 peeled garlic cloves. Pulse these ingredients together until they are coarsely chopped. This will create a bright green mixture.

Preparing the Cream Sauce

In a large skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Turn the heat to medium. Warm the cream for about 2-3 minutes. Stir it often to make sure it doesn’t scorch on the bottom.

Mixing it All Together

Now, add the pesto you made into the warm cream. Stir it well until everything is blended. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Keep mixing until you get a nice, creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Take the drained penne and gently add it to the skillet. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Serve the creamy pesto penne in bowls or on plates. For a lovely finish, add halved cherry tomatoes, extra toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your dish!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Consistency

To get the best creamy texture, start with warm cream. Heat it gently in your skillet. This helps the pesto mix smoothly. If your sauce feels thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Just a splash! Stir until you reach that dreamy creamy state. This simple step makes a big difference.

Storing Leftovers Properly

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir well to bring back the creamy goodness.

Enhancing Flavor Profiles

Want to boost the flavor? Try adding some lemon juice. A squeeze brightens the dish. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Don’t forget about extra cheese! Sprinkling more Parmesan on top gives a nice salty bite. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect balance.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh basil and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish significantly.
  2. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
  3. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or cheeses in the pesto. Walnuts or pecans can provide a unique twist, and you can try different types of cheese for varied flavors.
  4. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your opportunity to flavor the pasta from the inside out, enhancing the overall dish.

Variations

Creamy Pesto Penne with Chicken

You can add chicken to your creamy pesto penne for more protein. Start by cooking about 400g of boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then grill or sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through. Slice the chicken into strips and mix it into the pasta just before serving. This addition makes the dish heartier and adds a nice texture.

Vegetarian Options

If you want a vegetarian twist, use vegetables instead of chicken. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great choices. Just roast or sauté them until tender. You can toss them with the creamy pesto sauce and pasta at the end. This keeps the dish vibrant and colorful while adding more flavor and nutrients.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. The creamy pesto sauce works well with gluten-free pasta, keeping the dish rich and satisfying. Enjoy the same delightful flavors without the gluten!

Storage Info

How to Store Creamy Pesto Penne

To store Creamy Pesto Penne, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This will keep the pasta fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir frequently and heat until warm. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating.

Freezing Guidelines

You can freeze Creamy Pesto Penne, but it may change texture. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results.

FAQs

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both will add a rich taste without dairy.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, store-bought pesto works well for this dish. It saves time and still offers great flavor. Just ensure it is a high-quality brand to keep the taste vibrant.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Pasta is al dente when it is firm but cooked through. To check, taste a piece a minute before the package time ends. It should have a slight bite.

What are other ways to use leftover pesto?

You can spread it on sandwiches or use it as a dip for veggies. Pesto also tastes great on grilled chicken or fish. Mix it into scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast twist.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. Just heat them gently before serving to enjoy the creamy goodness.

Creamy pesto penne is easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tasty tips. You can enjoy it with chicken, keep it vegetarian, or choose gluten-free pasta. Storing and reheating leftover pasta is simple. Explore other uses for pesto to avoid waste.

Embrace your kitchen skills. With these ideas, you can create delicious meals. Enjoy cookin

- 300g penne pasta - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 2 cloves garlic, peeled - 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil - 1 cup heavy cream - Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste The heart of creamy pesto penne lies in its fresh flavors. The penne pasta acts as the base, holding onto the sauce perfectly. Fresh basil brings a bright taste, while toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch. Parmesan cheese lends a salty depth, and garlic boosts the overall flavor. - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Extra toasted pine nuts - Fresh basil leaves Garnishes elevate the dish. Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Extra pine nuts provide crunch, and fresh basil gives a fragrant touch. These simple additions make your plate look lovely and appetizing. - Use whole wheat penne for a healthier option. - Swap pine nuts with walnuts or sunflower seeds. - Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter dish. You can easily adapt the recipe. If you want a different taste, try whole wheat penne. Walnuts or sunflower seeds can replace pine nuts. Coconut milk can substitute heavy cream for a dairy-free option. These swaps keep the dish tasty while catering to various diets. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt. Once the water boils, add 300g of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a slight bite. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Be sure to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for later. Grab your food processor. Add 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup of toasted pine nuts, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 peeled garlic cloves. Pulse these ingredients together until they are coarsely chopped. This will create a bright green mixture. In a large skillet, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Turn the heat to medium. Warm the cream for about 2-3 minutes. Stir it often to make sure it doesn’t scorch on the bottom. Now, add the pesto you made into the warm cream. Stir it well until everything is blended. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Keep mixing until you get a nice, creamy texture. Take the drained penne and gently add it to the skillet. Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the pasta in the creamy pesto sauce. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Serve the creamy pesto penne in bowls or on plates. For a lovely finish, add halved cherry tomatoes, extra toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves on top. Enjoy your dish! To get the best creamy texture, start with warm cream. Heat it gently in your skillet. This helps the pesto mix smoothly. If your sauce feels thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Just a splash! Stir until you reach that dreamy creamy state. This simple step makes a big difference. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Place them in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat, add a splash of cream or water. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Stir well to bring back the creamy goodness. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding some lemon juice. A squeeze brightens the dish. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist. Don't forget about extra cheese! Sprinkling more Parmesan on top gives a nice salty bite. Experiment with these ideas to find your perfect balance. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, always opt for fresh basil and high-quality olive oil. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish significantly. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or cheeses in the pesto. Walnuts or pecans can provide a unique twist, and you can try different types of cheese for varied flavors. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your opportunity to flavor the pasta from the inside out, enhancing the overall dish. {{image_4}} You can add chicken to your creamy pesto penne for more protein. Start by cooking about 400g of boneless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper, then grill or sauté until they are golden brown and cooked through. Slice the chicken into strips and mix it into the pasta just before serving. This addition makes the dish heartier and adds a nice texture. If you want a vegetarian twist, use vegetables instead of chicken. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms are great choices. Just roast or sauté them until tender. You can toss them with the creamy pesto sauce and pasta at the end. This keeps the dish vibrant and colorful while adding more flavor and nutrients. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or corn. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. The creamy pesto sauce works well with gluten-free pasta, keeping the dish rich and satisfying. Enjoy the same delightful flavors without the gluten! To store Creamy Pesto Penne, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This will keep the pasta fresh for about 3 days in the fridge. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat the pasta gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir frequently and heat until warm. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from separating. You can freeze Creamy Pesto Penne, but it may change texture. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for best results. You can use half-and-half or whole milk if you want a lighter sauce. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both will add a rich taste without dairy. Yes, store-bought pesto works well for this dish. It saves time and still offers great flavor. Just ensure it is a high-quality brand to keep the taste vibrant. Pasta is al dente when it is firm but cooked through. To check, taste a piece a minute before the package time ends. It should have a slight bite. You can spread it on sandwiches or use it as a dip for veggies. Pesto also tastes great on grilled chicken or fish. Mix it into scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast twist. Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers. Just heat them gently before serving to enjoy the creamy goodness. Creamy pesto penne is easy and fun to make. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tasty tips. You can enjoy it with chicken, keep it vegetarian, or choose gluten-free pasta. Storing and reheating leftover pasta is simple. Explore other uses for pesto to avoid waste. Embrace your kitchen skills. With these ideas, you can create delicious meals. Enjoy cooking!

Creamy Pesto Penne Delight

A deliciously creamy pasta dish featuring fresh pesto and penne.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 300 g penne pasta
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 cup high-quality olive oil
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • to taste Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
  • to taste Extra toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously salt it. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the drained pasta aside.
  • Make the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and peeled garlic cloves. Process the ingredients in short bursts until they are coarsely chopped, creating a vibrant mixture.
  • Add Olive Oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a steady stream. Continue processing until the ingredients blend into a smooth and creamy pesto. Taste the mixture and season with salt and freshly cracked pepper as desired.
  • Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a large skillet, pour the heavy cream and place it over medium heat. Allow the cream to warm gently for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent it from scorching.
  • Mix it Up: Add the prepared pesto into the warm cream and stir well until fully combined. If the sauce appears to be too thick, gradually incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently add the drained penne to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Using a large spoon or tongs, toss the pasta lightly but thoroughly to ensure each piece is beautifully coated in the luscious sauce.
  • Serve: Portion the creamy pesto penne into individual bowls or plates. Finish off the dish by garnishing with halved cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of extra toasted pine nuts, and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, pesto

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