Best Pesto Cream Sauce Recipes

PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat heavy whipping cream and water in a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
• Add butter, pesto sauce, garlic powder and salt. Reduce heat and continue to cook about 5 more minutes over low heat.
• Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese until melted.

SCALLOPS WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Season scallops with salt and pepper, then dredge in flour.
• Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add scallops. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Add pesto and capers; mix well. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and serve.

PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Saute onion until tender and translucent. Stir in garlic and butter, and saute until garlic is soft and fragrant, about 1 minute. Dissolve flour in milk, then stir in. Season with salt and pepper, and simmer 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cheese, and stir until melted. Stir in pesto. Add shrimp, mushrooms and tomatoes. Cook 4 minutes, or until heated through. Toss with pasta until evenly coated.

SHRIMP WITH LINGUINE IN A PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Set a large 1-gallon stock pot of water to a boil and add the kosher salt. Place the linguine in the pot and stir the pot until the water returns to a boil. Cook the pasta until tender, but with a bit of resistance (al dente), about 12 minutes.
• While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Set a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the pan. Once the butter has melted, season the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of the Essence and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and add the shrimp to the pan. Sear the shrimp until pink, about 1 minute, then turn over and cook for another minute. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside. Add the onions and saute until softened and lightly caramelized, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pan and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the cream, pesto, remaining tablespoon of Essence, remaining teaspoon of the salt to the pan and bring to a boil. Cook the sauce until the cream is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Return the shrimp, linguine and the reserved cooking water to the pan and cook, tossing to incorporate for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove pan from the heat and add the parsley and parmesan cheese and toss to blend. Serve immediately.
• Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
• Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch
• Published by William Morrow, 1993.

ROASTED VEGETABLE LASAGNA WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease or line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Arrange zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrots in a single layer on the baking sheet. Coat with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix well.
• Roast vegetables in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
• Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch casserole dish with one layer of lasagna noodles.
• Toss the roasted vegetables with Alfredo sauce and pesto until well coated. Spread mixture over the noodles in the dish. Place another layer of noodles over the vegetables.
• Mix ricotta cheese, 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and spinach together and spread mixture over the noodle layer. Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly over the ricotta layer. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and oregano on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven until heated through and cheese is melted, 30 to 35 minutes. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes to lightly brown the top layer, if desired.

CHICKEN FETTUCCINE WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. With a meat mallet or heavy skillet, pound chicken to an even 3/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet; cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Slice each piece across the grain into 4 or 5 strips; cover to keep warm.
• Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water. Drain pasta and return to pot.
• In a small saucepan, heat pesto over low until liquefied. Stir in cream; heat until warm. Toss pasta with reserved cooking water and half the sauce. Divide among shallow bowls; top with chicken. Drizzle with remaining sauce.

SALMON PENNE WITH BASIL PESTO CREAM SAUCE, ARTICHOKES, AND ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the salmon into 1 inch cubes and place in a buttered baking dish. Add the lemon juice to the melted butter and drizzle over the salmon. Season the salmon with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Do not let the salmon overcook. Remove immediately from the oven and keep warm.
• While the salmon is cooking, add the pasta to a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cut the asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Add the asparagus to the boiling water during the last three to five minutes of cooking. Drain and put in a large serving bowl.
• While the salmon and pasta are cooking, combine the butter, cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and half-and-half in a saucepan. Season with garlic salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat. Add the pesto at this point. Go light with the pesto to ensure the sauce is lightly flavored.
• Mix the artichoke hearts with the asparagus and penne pasta and pour the sauce over the pasta mixture. Mix lightly to coat everything. Add the salmon cubes to the top of the pasta. If desired, serve with extra parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.

POTATO GNOCCHI IN PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add lots of salt to the boiling water to help flavor the gnocchi. While the water is heating, get a sauce pan and whisk together the pesto, cream, salt and pepper over medium heat. Bring the sauce to a low boil and be sure to stir frequently. Turn down the heat to a low simmer. Once your water pot is at a full boil, gently add in the gnocchi to the boiling water and cook for 3-4 minutes. The gnocchi will float to the top when they are done. Drain. Add the gnocchi to the pesto cream sauce. Stir to combine. Top with parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

RICOTTA GNOCCHI WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and refrigerate until the 'dough' holds the shape of a ball when rolled between your hands, at least 1 hour.
• On a lightly floured surface roll the dough into long strips and pinch off 1-inch pieces (the same size as regular gnocchi). Work fast or your dough will start to become super tough to work with! Put the gnocchi on a plate and put back into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
• While the gnocchi is resting, make the pesto sauce by combining all of the ingredients in a blender and pulsing until combined. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over medium heat on the stovetop. Drop in the gnocchi, a few at a time, and watch for them to rise to the surface of the pot. After 1 minute at the top of the pot, about 3 minutes total, remove them with a slotted spoon to a serving bowl. Top with the pesto cream sauce and a dash of cracked pepper and serve.

CHICKEN WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Spray skillet with cooking spray. Season chicken with salt and black pepper, as desired. Cook chicken over medium-high heat, about 5 minutes, until no longer pink in center. Remove from pan; set aside. 2. Cook bell pepper in skillet 3 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Return chicken to skillet. 3. Stir pesto into skillet. Add wine and cream. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally. 4. Add pasta; stir. Toss pasta with chicken and bell peppers. Serve warm, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

HOMEMADE GNOCCHI WITH TOMATO-PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Place potatoes into a large pot and cover with salted water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.
• Drain potatoes and set aside until cool enough to handle. Remove and discard peels, place potatoes in a bowl, and mash until smooth. Mix in 1 tablespoon butter, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, garlic salt, seasoning blend, and pepper until combined. Add egg and mix until incorporated. Pour in flour and mix until well combined and dough forms a ball. Separate dough into 4 sections.
• Set a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
• While water is coming to a boil, form gnocchi: Place 1 section of dough on a lightly floured surface; cover remaining 3 sections of dough with plastic wrap so they do not dry out. Roll dough into a ball and then roll it out into a rope. Cut the rope into 1/2-inch increments and roll each piece into a small ball. Roll each ball in flour to coat, press with the back of a fork to shape; and place on a plate. Repeat with remaining 3 sections of dough.
• Throw the first batch of gnocchi into the boiling water. Cook until gnocchi float to the surface, about 5 minutes, then remove with a ladle, drain in a strainer, and transfer to a large bowl. Repeat until all gnocchi have been cooked and drained. Place gnocchi in the refrigerator.
• Combine 1 tablespoon olive oil and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until garlic has released its flavor, about 1 minute. Throw in diced tomatoes and cook until soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in whipping cream and butter and bring to a gentle boil. Mix in Parmesan cheese and pesto sauce. Add cooled gnocchi and season with pepper, rosemary, chile flakes, garlic salt, and seasoning blend.

LEMON-BUTTER PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Fry the bacon, drain, and set aside.
• Put the butter, olive oil, garlic and onion in the sauce pan, and simmer until fragrant.
• Add lemon juice, wine, and cream, and sir until smooth on low heat.
• Cut or tear bacon into small pieces, and add to the pan.
• Simmer for about 5 minute to boil off the alcohol from the wine and blend the flavors.
• Stir in grated cheese and pesto until smooth.
• Taste, and add salt and pepper to taste.

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.

ROASTED VEGGIE LASAGNA WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. Place carrots, broccoli, zucchini, and red peppers in one layer on to a large lined baking sheet. Coat with olive oil, salt and pepper (and if desired, additional Italian herbs) to taste. Place in a 400 degree oven and roast for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. This can be done a day or two ahead of time, if desired. 2. If needed, prepare the lasagna noodles by boiling them. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step. 3. Mix roasted veggies with pesto and cream alfredo sauce until completely covered. 4. Place a single layer of lasagna noodles to cover the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch baking dish. 5. Spoon veggie mixture over noodles, distributing evenly. 6. Place another single layer of lasagna noodles over veggie layer. 7. Mix ricotta cheese with 3/4 cup of shredded parmesan cheese and fresh or frozen spinach or basil leaves. Spread evenly over noodle layer. 8. Spread shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over ricotta layer. Sprinkle final quarter cup of parmesan cheese over the mozzarella and finish by sprinkling dried oregano over the top of everything. 9. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 35-40 minutes. If desired, place under a low broiler for 2 minutes more to brown the top layer of cheese. Serve hot.

SHRIMP AND PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Start your water for Pasta.
• Squeeze lemon onto Shrimp and let sit 2-3 minutes.
• Heat Oil in medium sized frying pan and toss garlic lightly.
• Add a spoon of pesto. Stir.
• Add shrimp all at once.
• Mix into garlic and cook 3 minutes on medium heat covered. It will get watery.
• Toss in pine nuts. (optional).
• Add remaining pesto and heavy cream.
• Mix well.
• Cover and simmer 5 more minutes.
• Sauce will thicken slightly.
• Cook pasta. Drain well and return to pot or large bowl. Drizzle sauce on top and toss lightly.
• Serve.

CRAWFISH AND TASSO IN A LIGHT HERB CREAM PESTO SAUCE OVER ROTINI

Steps:

• 1. In a med. sauce pan, put cream, bouillon, oregano, basil, garlic and tasso. Bring to a simmering boil, stirring constantly for 5 mins. Taste and make final seasoning adjustments, salt and pepper. Add crawfish and Rotini and let simmer until all ingredients are hot; stir constantly. Garnish with parmesan cheese.
• 2. Serve with garlic bread.

SPINACH WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• PLACE contents of 2 (16 ounce) tubs Organics brand fresh baby spinach in large soup pot over medium heat; POUR 1/2 cup water evenly over spinach; TOSS spinach until evenly dampened.
• COVER pot; COOK spinach just until wilted, between 3-5 minutes, stirring once.
• RETURN spinach into colander in sink; DRAIN completely and let set until ready to use.
• INTO the medium saucepan ADD: 3/4 cup chicken broth, 1 tablespoon butter, 4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated lemon zest, 3/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon sugar, 1 dash fresh ground white pepper; BRING broth to gentle boil over medium heat.
• CHOP 1/2 medium sweet Vidalia onion; MINCE 4 fresh garlic cloves; ADD both to the saucepan with broth mixture; GRATE 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon zest; SQUEEZE 4 teaspoons fresh lemon juice. ADD all to broth mixture; REDUCE heat slightly.
• SIMMER uncovered until onion is almost transparent; REDUCE heat to low.
• STIR in 1/2 cup light cream cheese spread (up to 8 ounces) and 1/3 cup (or more) fresh deli basil pesto into the saucepan mixture, FOLD together gently until cream cheese has melted and the sauce is consistent and creamy (STIR 2 tablespoons heavy cream now if a richer sauce is desired); SEASON sauce to taste now, if necessary.
• REMOVE drained cooled spinach from colander; CHOP spinach coarsely.
• FOLD spinach into sauce mixture until thoroughly blended (FOLD in 2-4 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese now, if desired, one tablespoon at a time, gradually until blended).
• SERVE and ENJOY.

LOW CARB PENNE PASTA IN PESTO-CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain. HINT - save 1/4 cup pasta water to add to pasta later if it needs more liquid.
• Stir all other ingredients into hot pasta, saving a little of the Parmesan to sprinkle on top. If the dish seems too dry, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water (the starch in that water helps to bind the sauce).
• A nice variation is to toss in about 20 grape tomatoes (split in half first) as you toss all the ingredients. They add wonderful color and flavor.

SALMON WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Season salmon if you choose and either sear in a pan, then place in oven to cook until finished or grill. Keep warm if it finishes prior to the sauce.
• In the meantime, warm the olive oil in a saute pan until just warm and add pesto and heat on medium until it becomes more liquid.
• Add cream and half and half and bring to a gentle boil while whisking. Continue to cook over low heat stirring frequently until thickened.
• Add parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
• Serve salmon on a bed of the sauce.

STUFFED CHICKEN BREASTS WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/4 inch thickness and set aside.
• Snap off tough bottoms of asparagus.
• Place in boiling water and cover for 1 minute.
• Drain, rinse with cold water; then pat dry.
• Cut asparagus 3 inch lengths.
• Cut cheese into sticks 1/2 inch high x 1/2 inch wide by 3 inches long.
• Set aside.
• Combine bread crumbs, parmesan and pine nuts in a bowl.
• In another bowl beat eggs with a fork.
• Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Place a stick of colby and an asparagus spear next to one long edge of each breast.
• Roll breast around ingredients tucking in ends to form a neat package.
• Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
• Dip each package in egg and then in breadcrumb mixture.
• Make a double coating by dipping again into egg then crumbs.
• Place packages in a baking dish and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F.
• While the chicken is baking combine pesto and cream in a small saucepan.
• Bring to a boil and reduce 2 minutes until lightly thickened.
• Serve pesto cream sauce over stuffed chicken breasts.