Pesto & Pasta

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
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A creamy, herbaceous twist on classic Italian pasta with rotelle noodles
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This Pesto & Pasta dish is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that marries the bright, herbal notes of basil pesto with the rich warmth of tomato sauce and cream. The small rotelle noodles hold the sauce beautifully in their ridges, ensuring every bite is flavorful. It&# 226;€™s a vegetarian-friendly meal that feels indulgent yet remains simple to prepare. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying and family-approved without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of acidic tomato, sweet cream, and pungent pesto creates a balanced, savory profile that pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

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Pesto & Pasta

Author: chefs-mate Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 123.0

Description

This Pesto & Pasta dish is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner that marries the bright, herbal notes of basil pesto with the rich warmth of tomato sauce and cream. The small rotelle noodles hold the sauce beautifully in their ridges, ensuring every bite is flavorful. It&# 226;€™s a vegetarian-friendly meal that feels indulgent yet remains simple to prepare. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying and family-approved without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of acidic tomato, sweet cream, and pungent pesto creates a balanced, savory profile that pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Rotelle pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water if needed for loosening the sauce.
  3. Return the hot pasta to the pot or transfer to a serving bowl.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of the pesto to the hot pasta and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Set the pesto-coated pasta aside while preparing the sauce.
  6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of pesto with the tomato sauce.
  7. Stir the mixture gently until the pesto is fully incorporated into the tomato sauce.
  8. Pour in the cream and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
  9. Pour the creamy tomato-pesto sauce over the pasta and toss to combine thoroughly.
  10. Serve immediately while hot.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 123.0kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 6.3g10%
Saturated Fat 3.5g18%
Cholesterol 16.5mg6%
Sodium 575.2mg24%
Total Carbohydrate 13.9g5%
Dietary Fiber 2.3g10%
Sugars 4.7g
Protein 3.3g7%

* 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

For best flavor, use freshly made pesto if available, but high-quality jarred pesto works well for this quick meal.

If the sauce seems too thick after adding the cream, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

To make this dish heartier, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed spinach before mixing in the sauce.

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Keywords: pesto, pasta, rotelle, tomato sauce, cream, italian, vegetarian, quick dinner, easy recipe, basil, weeknight meal, family friendly, comfort food, savory, herb sauce
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