Pasta With Alfredo-Pesto Sauce – Bon Appetit
Description
This dish marries the rich, velvety texture of a classic Alfredo with the bright, herbal notes of fresh basil pesto. The sauce comes together in minutes, coating silky strands of capellini or spaghetti in a luscious blend of whipped cream, olive oil, garlic, and toasted pine nuts. It is an elegant yet comforting meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for a romantic dinner at home or a sophisticated weeknight supper, this pasta dish delivers bold Italian flavors in every bite. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the perfect balance of creaminess and aromatic herbs.Ingredients
Directions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the capellini or spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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While the pasta cooks, place fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic cloves into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
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With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Process until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
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Stir 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese into the pesto mixture in the processor bowl or a separate bowl. Set aside.
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In a heavy medium saucepan, bring the whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium heat.
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Whisk the prepared pesto into the hot cream. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
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Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the sauce, or transfer the sauce to a large serving bowl with the pasta.
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Toss vigorously with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
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Serve immediately while hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 932.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 73.6g114%
- Saturated Fat 28.3g142%
- Cholesterol 118.8mg40%
- Sodium 935.1mg39%
- Total Carbohydrate 36.7g13%
- Dietary Fiber 4.3g18%
- Sugars 3.3g
- Protein 32.9g66%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Storage: The pesto component can be prepared up to 4 days in advance. Transfer to a small jar, pour enough olive oil over the top to cover the surface (this prevents oxidation), cover tightly, and refrigerate. Stir before using.
Substitutions: If you do not have pine nuts, walnuts or toasted almonds work well as a substitute. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of whipping cream and replace it with extra pasta water and olive oil, though the texture will be less creamy.
Tip: Toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes before blending enhances their flavor and adds a nuttier depth to the pesto.
