Creamy pesto sauce is a delightful twist on the classic pesto sauce, adding a luxurious and velvety texture to your favorite pasta dishes. Bursting with the flavors of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, this sauce will take your meals to the next level. Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or simply looking to elevate your culinary repertoire, this creamy pesto sauce recipe is a must-try.
| Name: | Creamy Pesto Sauce |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Italian |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Servings | About 8 servings |
| Yield | 2 cups |
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (optional)
Instructions
Toast the Pine Nuts
Begin by toasting the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until they turn golden brown and release a nutty aroma, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can burn quickly. Remove them from the skillet and let them cool.
Prepare the Basil
Wash and dry the fresh basil leaves thoroughly. You want them to be clean and dry for the best flavor. Remove any tough stems and pack the basil leaves into a measuring cup.
Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the toasted pine nuts, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese. Pulse the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste.
Add the Basil
Add the fresh basil leaves to the food processor and pulse until the basil is finely chopped and well combined with the other ingredients.
Stream in the Olive Oil
With the food processor running, slowly stream in the extra-virgin olive oil. Continue blending until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Incorporate the Cream
Transfer the pesto mixture to a saucepan and warm it over low heat. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce is heated through and becomes creamy. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Optional Cheese
If you desire a richer flavor, add grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the sauce at this stage. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is well combined.
Serve
Your creamy pesto sauce is now ready to use! Pour it over your favorite cooked pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine, and toss until the pasta is well coated. You can also use this sauce as a delicious topping for grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.
Garnish
For a final touch, garnish your pasta dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves.
Estimated Nutrition per Serving
Calories: 220 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 190mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Protein: 4g
