Description
Creamy Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dish, combining convenience and flavor in just 10 minutes. With only five ingredients, this delightful recipe features a rich, buttery sauce that perfectly complements the vibrant taste of fresh pesto. Whether you enjoy it as a standalone meal or elevate it with proteins like chicken or shrimp, this creamy pasta dish is designed for every palate, including kids. Quick to prepare and customizable, it’s the perfect solution for busy nights when you crave something delicious yet simple.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour (gluten-free option available)
- 2 cups milk
- ½ to ¾ cup pesto
- ¾ pound pasta
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Stir in pesto to the sauce, then combine with drained pasta. Toss until well-coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with Parmesan cheese or toasted pine nuts if desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg