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Overhead of Creamy Pesto Pasta
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Creamy Pesto Pasta

Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients

PESTO MIXTURE INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (no stems)
  • zest of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

CREAMY PESTO PASTA INGREDIENTS

  • 10 oz uncooked short pasta (penne, ziti, etc)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated pecorino romano cheese
  • all of the homemade pesto mixture (see above)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • While pasta is cooking, making your pesto mixture: In a small food processor, combine the basil leaves, lemon zest, ¼ cup grated cheese, salt, pepper, garlic power, and olive oil. Pulse a few times ,then puree into a relatively smooth mixture. Taste, adding additional salt or pepper if desired.
  • Heat cream in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated through, stir in the remaining ¼ cup grated cheese and the homemade pesto mixture**.
  • Stir ingredients and bring sauce to a low simmer, stirring regularly, until sauce has thickened, 3-5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low, then add the drained, cooked pasta to the skillet.
  • Stir to coat the pasta and let warm through, then serve immediately with extra grated cheese and basil for garnish if desired.

Notes

**If you use jarred pesto instead of homemade pesto mixture, use about 3 tablespoons.