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Pasta With Alfredo-Pesto Sauce – Bon Appetit

Pasta With Alfredo-Pesto Sauce - Bon Appetit recipe image
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.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4
Calories: 932.7
Dietary: Vegetarian
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
  • 1 cup Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup Pine nuts or walnuts
  • 2 Garlic Cloves
  • 1/3 cup Olive oil
  • 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 cup Whipping cream
  • 1 pound Capellini or spaghetti
Directions
  1. 1
    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.
  2. 2
    While the pasta cooks, place fresh basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), and garlic cloves into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped.
  3. 3
    With the processor running, gradually drizzle in the olive oil through the feed tube. Process until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
  4. 4
    Stir 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese into the pesto mixture in the processor bowl or a separate bowl. Set aside.
  5. 5
    In a heavy medium saucepan, bring the whipping cream to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  6. 6
    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.
  7. 7
    Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the sauce, or transfer the sauce to a large serving bowl with the pasta.
  8. 8
    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.
  9. 9
    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.

Keywords: pasta, alfredo, pesto, capellini, spaghetti, basil, pine nuts, cream sauce, italian dinner, vegetarian main, quick meal, garlic, olive oil, parmesan, comfort food, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, herb sauce, rich pasta, homemade pesto
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-with-alfredo-pesto-sauce-bon-appetit/