Best Penne With Creamy Pesto Sauce Recipes

PENNE WITH PESTO

Steps:

• Meanwhile, pluck the basil leaves from the stems (you should have about 2 cups leaves). Wash the leaves in a large bowl of cold water and dry in a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels. Smash and peel the garlic.
• Put the basil, garlic, and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. With the processor running, gradually add the olive oil and process until the pesto is smooth. Transfer the pesto to a large bowl and stir in the cheese. Season with the salt and some pepper.
• Bring a large pot of cold water to a boil over high heat and salt it generously. Add the penne and boil, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and save about 1/4 cup pasta cooking water. Add the pasta to the bowl. Use tongs and toss with enough of the cooking water so the pesto coats the pasta evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
• Upgrades: a. Make the pesto creamy by adding 1/4 cup ricotta cheese when processing the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. This is great with tortellini or ravioli. b. Top dressed pesto pasta with 1/2 pound diced large or halved small fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), 3 medium tomatoes cut in large chunks, and 1/2 cup pitted black olives, (we like kalamata for this), roughly chopped. c. Add cooked 1 to 2 cups chicken or shrimp.
• Twists on Pesto: In place of basil, try the following combination: 1 cup parsley, 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves. Substitute walnuts for the pine nuts

CREAMY PESTO PENNE WITH VEGETABLE RIBBONS

Steps:

• In a large saucepan, cook pasta according to package directions, adding the edamame during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler or metal cheese slicer, cut carrots and squash into very thin lengthwise strips., In a large skillet, saute onion in 1 tablespoon butter until tender. Add the vegetable strips and garlic; saute 2-3 minutes longer or until crisp-tender. Stir in the cream, pesto, salt and remaining butter. Bring to a gentle boil; cook for 2-4 minutes or until sauce is slightly thickened and vegetables are tender., Drain pasta and edamame; toss with vegetable mixture. Sprinkle with walnuts.

PENNE WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE AND SUN-DRIED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Cook penne according to directions, about 9 minutes for al dente.
• In a medium-size saucepan, simmer cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it has reduced by a third. Remove from heat and stir in the pesto sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. Let stand a little to let the sauce thicken, if desired.
• When the penne is cooked, drain well and add the cream sauce. Season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat the pasta well with the sauce.
• Serve immediately, sprinkled with the cheese, if desired.

GNOCCHI WITH PESTO SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook gnocchi according to package directions; drain., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; saute zucchini and pepper until zucchini is tender., Add pesto and gnocchi, stirring gently to coat. Stir in tomatoes. If desired, top with pine nuts.