Best 20 Creamy Pesto Recipes

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Creamy pesto is an elevated version of the classic pesto sauce that makes a delightful accompaniment to various dishes. By incorporating cream into the traditional pesto recipe, a luscious and vibrant sauce is created, with a velvety texture and intense flavors. This article aims to guide you in discovering the best recipe for creamy pesto, taking you on a culinary journey that will transform your taste buds. Whether you seek simplicity or prefer a more intricate blend of flavors, we have enlisted a selection of recipes that will gratify your palate and inspire your culinary creations. So, prepare your taste buds for a creamy pesto adventure as we delve into the world of this delectable sauce, crafting unforgettable meals that will leave your loved ones craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CREAMY PESTO SHRIMP



Creamy Pesto Shrimp image

One of our family's favorites, it's also great when made with crab meat instead of the shrimp.

Provided by Loretta Buffa

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 pound linguine pasta
½ cup butter
2 cups heavy cream
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup pesto
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in cream, and season with pepper. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Stir Parmesan cheese into cream sauce, stirring until thoroughly mixed. Blend in the pesto, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened.
  • Stir in the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink, about 5 minutes. Serve over the hot linguine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 646 calories, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 210.4 mg, Fat 42.5 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 23.1 g, SaturatedFat 24.3 g, Sodium 437.2 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN



Creamy Pesto Chicken image

All the flavors of Italian pesto (fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, and garlic) in a simple creamy sauce. Also works well with thinly sliced pork tenderloin. Add a splash of milk or cream for a slightly thinner sauce. Serve over rice or pasta with extra Parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top.

Provided by JODIE4

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into strips
4 large cloves garlic, sliced
3 ½ tablespoons sherry
¼ cup pine nuts
½ cup chopped fresh basil
1 (8 ounce) container reduced fat sour cream
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook the chicken for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Mix the garlic and sherry into the skillet. Cook and stir until all the liquid has been reduced and the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.
  • Mix the pine nuts into the skillet, and cook 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low, and mix in the basil, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Continue cooking until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 311.4 calories, Carbohydrate 7.7 g, Cholesterol 86 mg, Fat 17.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 28.6 g, SaturatedFat 6.6 g, Sodium 210.1 mg, Sugar 0.5 g

PHENOMENAL CHICKEN AND PASTA IN CREAMY PESTO SAUCE



Phenomenal Chicken and Pasta in Creamy Pesto Sauce image

An extremely delicious meal: the crunch of pine nuts and the tang of sun-dried tomatoes combine with chicken and pasta in a heavenly pesto cream sauce. Be sure to taste and salt before serving, because depending on what kind of chicken broth you use, the dish may require no salt at all or may be extremely under-salted.

Provided by GILL846

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 55m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 21

2 cups fresh basil
3 cloves garlic
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup pine nuts
1 medium ripe tomato, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
¼ cup chicken broth
1 cup white wine
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 (16 ounce) package dried penne pasta
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large onion, diced
1 tablespoon sugar
½ (8 ounce) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
⅓ cup pine nuts
½ cup white wine
1 cup heavy cream
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Place basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and tomato in a food processor. Gradually add olive oil, while pulsing, until mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • In a bowl, stir together chicken broth, 1 cup white wine, dried basil, oregano, and minced garlic. Stir in chicken pieces.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, and rinse under cold water. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in onions, and sprinkle with sugar. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, and cook about 3 minutes. Stir in chicken and marinade. Stir in 1/2 cup white wine. Simmer chicken pieces, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
  • Add pasta and pesto to the skillet. Stir in cream, and cook until the sauce is thickened. Adjust salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve with freshly grated Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 943 calories, Carbohydrate 71.1 g, Cholesterol 126.7 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 5.7 g, Protein 45.7 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Sodium 220.6 mg, Sugar 7.5 g

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN AND BOW TIES



Creamy Pesto Chicken and Bow Ties image

Use Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup, chicken breast, and bow tie pasta to make an easy one-dish meal with a creamy pesto sauce.

Provided by Campbell's Kitchen

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Campbell's Kitchen

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
1 (10.75 ounce) can Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
½ cup pesto sauce
½ cup milk

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, heat butter in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often.
  • Add soup, pesto sauce and milk. Bring to a boil. Cook over low heat 5 minutes or until done. Stir in drained pasta and heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 520.7 calories, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 98.4 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 35.8 g, SaturatedFat 10.3 g, Sodium 883.7 mg, Sugar 3 g

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN PASTA



Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta image

Make and share this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Kaitrin

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 20m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 ounces pasta, uncooked
4 cloves chopped garlic
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 chicken breast, cooked and cubed
1 tablespoon pesto sauce
parmesan cheese
salt
pepper

Steps:

  • Saute garlic in butter and olive oil until fragrant. Cook pasta while sauce cooks, according to package directions.
  • Add chicken, whipping cream, salt, and pepper (to taste).
  • Let sauce simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add pesto and parmesan. Stir until creamy and thickened.
  • Pour pasta, sprinkle desired amount of parmesan over dish.

CREAMY PESTO PENNE WITH SAUSAGE



Creamy Pesto Penne with Sausage image

Quick weeknight dinner. Ready in 15 minutes!

Provided by BaughHumbug

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Pesto Pasta Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 (16 ounce) package penne pasta
½ pound ground sausage
1 (1.2 ounce) package creamy pesto sauce mix (such as Knorr®)
1 cup milk
¼ cup olive oil

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook penne at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes; drain and transfer pasta to a bowl.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir sausage in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; add to pasta.
  • Whisk pesto sauce mix, milk, and olive oil together in a small saucepan; bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and keep at a simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes; pour over pasta and sausage mixture and toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1454.6 calories, Carbohydrate 176.8 g, Cholesterol 74.5 mg, Fat 61.8 g, Fiber 7.6 g, Protein 51.5 g, SaturatedFat 15.8 g, Sodium 2150.9 mg, Sugar 15.6 g

CREAMY CILANTRO PESTO SAUCE



Creamy Cilantro Pesto Sauce image

A delicious creamy topping for chicken or fish. Can be served cold or hot. I personally prefer it cold on top of hot broiled lemon pepper mahi mahi with brown rice and steamed spinach. Garnish dish with cilantro leaves after topping with sauce.

Provided by KB

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 bunch cilantro leaves
½ cup reduced-fat cream cheese
5 artichoke hearts
2 green onions, or more to taste
5 leaves fresh basil, or more to taste
2 tablespoons chopped jalapeno pepper
½ lemon, juiced
1 dash salt

Steps:

  • Blend cilantro leaves, cream cheese, artichoke hearts, green onions, basil, jalapeno pepper, lemon juice, and salt in a blender until smooth.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 44.8 calories, Carbohydrate 2.7 g, Cholesterol 8.9 mg, Fat 2.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 2.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.8 g, Sodium 152.6 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

CREAMY PESTO SHRIMP LINGUINE



Creamy Pesto Shrimp Linguine image

This is a fantastic dish to impress friends with. They never suspect how easy it is to make. The pesto cream sauce makes it even more delectable than a typical Alfredo sauce.-Jessica Kempton, Logan, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 ounces linguine
1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup butter, cubed
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup prepared pesto
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Cook linguine according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute shrimp in butter until shrimp turn pink. Remove and set aside. Add cream to the pan; bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat; cook, uncovered, for 4-6 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally., Stir in the cheese, pesto and pepper until smooth. Return shrimp to the pan; heat through. Drain linguine; serve with sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1000 calories, Fat 73g fat (41g saturated fat), Cholesterol 355mg cholesterol, Sodium 727mg sodium, Carbohydrate 48g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 40g protein.

CREAMY PHILLY PESTO CHICKEN



Creamy PHILLY Pesto Chicken image

Add a bit of cream cheese to purchased pesto for a spicy herb sauce that really dresses up sauteed chicken breasts.

Provided by Philadelphia Cream Cheese

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Cooking with Philly Canada

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 teaspoon oil
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
¼ cup PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
⅓ cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons pesto

Steps:

  • Heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook 6 to 8 minutes on each side or until done (170 degrees F). Transfer to plate; cover to keep warm.
  • Add cream cheese spread to skillet; cook on medium heat 5 minutes or until melted, stirring constantly. Whisk in broth and pesto; cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce is thickened and well blended. Pour over chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 211.9 calories, Carbohydrate 1.5 g, Cholesterol 80 mg, Fat 11.3 g, Fiber 0.2 g, Protein 25.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Sodium 177.1 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

ONE PAN PASTA WITH CREAMY SHRIMP AND PESTO SAUCE



One Pan Pasta With Creamy Shrimp and Pesto Sauce image

This recipe from Sunset uses only one pan. Yup, a single pan! The secret is to use frozen cooked shrimp and prepared pesto. When I make it, I thaw the shrimp by putting them in the same colander I am going to use for the pasta. Then I pour the pasta and its boiling water over the shrimp, and--voila--thawed shrimp! The recipe is very pesto-y, so, if you like, feel free to cut down on the pesto and use more sun-dried tomatoes. Also, use whatever pasta shape you like (we prefer long noodles, for instance).

Provided by CorriePDX

Categories     Penne

Time 25m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

12 ounces dry penne pasta
1 lb frozen pre- cooked shrimp, thawed
1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
1/4 cup whipping cream
1/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons chopped drained sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • In a 4- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 3 quarts water to a boil. Add pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender to bite, 7 to 12 minutes. Drain and return to pan.
  • Add shrimp, pesto, cream, broth, and dried tomatoes to pasta; stir over medium heat until hot and evenly incorporated, 2 to 3 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

CREAMY CHICKEN PESTO LINGUINE



Creamy Chicken Pesto Linguine image

This is an awesome dish - boneless chicken strips cooked in a creamy pesto parmesan sauce and served over linguine.

Provided by Marie

Categories     Chicken

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb linguine, cooked to package directions
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves minced garlic
olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
garlic powder
black pepper
1/2 cup pesto sauce
3 cups half-and-half (or heavy cream)
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Saute onion and garlic in oil in skillet.
  • Season chicken strips with garlic powder and black pepper and add to skillet with onion/garlic mixture.
  • When chicken is done, stir in pesto sauce, then add cream and parmesan cheese.
  • Cook over medium heat until thickened.
  • Drain cooked linguine and serve chicken and sauce over top.
  • Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

CREAMY AVOCADO PESTO PASTA



Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta image

The addition of avocado lends a lovely creamy texture to this pesto. The ripe fruit imparts richness to the sauce, while nutty roasted pepitas add a deep toasty flavor. If you can only find raw pepitas, simply toss them with olive oil and salt, then toast in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring, until they start to pop and turn golden brown. Shower the dressed pasta with more crunchy pepitas for a nice contrast to the velvety sauce. Leftover pesto can be refrigerated for two days; press the surface with plastic wrap to avoid discoloration (any browned areas on top should be scraped off before using). The pesto also makes a tasty avocado toast, sandwich spread or crudité dip.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weeknight, pastas, main course

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt and black pepper
3/4 cup roasted, salted pepitas, plus more for garnish
1 small garlic clove
1 medium (ripe) avocado
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 3 ounces), plus more for garnish
3 packed cups fresh basil leaves (about 3 ounces), plus more for garnish
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound fusilli or rotini

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Meanwhile, in a food processor, pulse pepitas and garlic until finely chopped. Halve avocado, discard the pit and scoop out flesh. (You should have about 3/4 cup, or 5 ounces.) Add avocado flesh, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to food processor and pulse until chunky.
  • Add cheese and basil to food processor. With motor running, drizzle in 1/2 cup water, then drizzle in oil until well blended, scraping down sides as needed. Transfer 2 cups of pesto to a large bowl. Refrigerate any remaining pesto for another use.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain pasta. Add pasta and pasta water to pesto in large bowl and toss until pasta is nicely coated in sauce.
  • Divide pasta among 4 bowls. Top with more pepitas, cheese and basil.

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN



Creamy Pesto Chicken image

You really won't miss the cheese at all in this dairy-free pesto. It's especially good over cauliflower rice or gluten-free pasta. -Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 ounces each)
PESTO:
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves
1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup canned coconut milk

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Combine the first 5 ingredients; brush over chicken. Place in a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Bake until a thermometer reads 165°, 20-25 minutes., Meanwhile, place basil, parsley and salt in a small food processor; pulse until chopped. While processing, gradually add coconut milk in a steady stream until mixture is pureed. Serve with chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 94mg cholesterol, Sodium 684mg sodium, Carbohydrate 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 35g protein. Diabetic exchanges

OLD SPAGHETTI FACTORY CREAMY PESTO DRESSING RECIPE



Old Spaghetti Factory Creamy Pesto Dressing Recipe image

Found this on cdkitchen.com. Haven't tried it yet, somebody who cooks better than I should let me know if it's any good.

Provided by sarahr84

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 15m

Yield 2 1/2 cups, 20 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

3/4 cup oil
1 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons grated romano cheese
2 tablespoons dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 clove garlic, minced
hot pepper sauce (serve with at table, not in dressing)
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Steps:

  • Whisk together oil and mayonnaise.
  • Add buttermilk, cheese, basil, salt, garlic, and hot pepper sauce to taste.
  • Mix thoroughly.
  • Cover and let flavors meld overnight in refrigerator.
  • This also will make an excellent chicken marinade.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 124.5, Fat 12.3, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 4, Sodium 157.9, Carbohydrate 3.4, Fiber 0.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 0.6

CREAMY PESTO SALAD DRESSING



Creamy Pesto Salad Dressing image

I needed a salad dressing for an Italian dinner one night, and I wasn't in the mood for a vinaigrette. At our house, anything with pesto is a winner! :) This is a very thick salad dressing (especially if you use regular mayo), so you don't have to get your salad greens scrupulously dry - the excess water will loosen up the dressing.

Provided by CraftScout

Categories     Salad Dressings

Time 2m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 tablespoons prepared pesto sauce (Mom's Pesto, or store-bought)
2 tablespoons smooth Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (lite works well)

Steps:

  • Whisk to combine. Dress salad! :).

ONE-POT CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN PASTA



One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta image

Pesto lovers, this recipe is for you! We loaded this pasta dish with a creamy pesto sauce, fresh spinach and flavor-packed chicken for an easy weeknight meal the whole family will love.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 package (16 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 1/2 cups Progresso™ reduced sodium chicken broth (from 32-oz container)
8 oz uncooked farfalle (bow-tie) pasta (about 3 cups)
4 oz (half of 8-oz package) cream cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup refrigerated basil pesto (from 7-oz container)
1 package (8 oz) fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • In 5- to 5 1/2-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; season chicken with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Cook chicken in oil 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink. With slotted spoon, transfer to plate, and keep warm.
  • Add chicken broth and pasta to Dutch oven; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to medium; simmer 12 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of liquid is absorbed.
  • Add cream cheese and pesto, stirring frequently, until cheese is melted. Stir in chicken; cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is heated through.
  • Gradually stir in spinach until starting to wilt. Just before serving, garnish with basil and Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 450, Carbohydrate 36 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 4, Fiber 3 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 770 mg, Sugar 2 g, TransFat 0 g

CREAMY RAMP PESTO PASTA



Creamy Ramp Pesto Pasta image

Ramps are one of those items that seem so appealing at the market but can be a challenge to use when you get them home. This dish solves the problem. Because the recipe comes from Rachael Ray, who made her name teaching a generation to get dinner on the table in 30 minutes, it's quick to make once you have the ramps blanched. The pesto comes together fast, so you can make it while the pasta is boiling. The creaminess of the ricotta tempers the ramps, which can vary in their pungency. Pink peppercorns are berries, not true peppercorns. They add a lovely look to the finished pasta and bring a more delicate fruitiness and a quieter heat than black pepper; if you can't find them, black pepper will do just fine.

Provided by Kim Severson

Categories     pastas, main course, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 large bunch of ramps (about 1/2 pound), cleaned, roots trimmed, bulbs and stems separated from leaves
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup shelled pistachios (preferably the bright green Sicilian variety), lightly toasted
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt, to taste
3/4 cup bufala ricotta, fresh cow's milk ricotta or mascarpone (6 ounces)
1 pound fusilli lunghi or bucatini
Freshly ground pink peppercorns, for serving (or use ground black pepper)

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil for pasta. Set aside an ice-water bath in a medium bowl.
  • Blanch the ramp leaves in boiling water for 15 seconds. Remove with a spider or slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into the ice bath. Drain the leaves and dry on a kitchen towel. Tops should be bright and vibrant green in color.
  • Add the blanched leaves to a food processor with 1/4 of the ramp bulbs and stems, plus the lemon zest and juice, the pistachios and the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Pulse to finely chop, and stream in the olive oil until the pesto comes together into a thick sauce. Taste and, if desired, add more bulbs and stems, a few at a time, then add salt to taste and pulse to combine. (Reserve the remaining bulbs and stems for use in dressings, sautéed vegetable dishes or eggs.)
  • Place the ricotta or mascarpone in large mixing bowl.
  • Salt the pasta water and cook pasta about 1 minute less than package directions for al dente. Just before draining, remove 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and add to the ricotta or mascarpone to soften and loosen the cheese. Add the ramp pesto and stir to combine. Drain pasta, add to sauce and toss to coat. Transfer pasta to a serving dish or individual bowls, and top with a generous amount of pink peppercorn.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 516, UnsaturatedFat 14 grams, Carbohydrate 63 grams, Fat 22 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 18 grams, SaturatedFat 6 grams, Sodium 414 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN AND LINGUINE



Creamy Pesto Chicken and Linguine image

Easy to make, this chicken is wonderfully tasty and rich. Not for those watching your fat intake, but hey... splurging every now and then isn't a bad idea. ;)

Provided by Julesong

Categories     Chicken

Time 35m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb spinach linguine or 1 lb regular linguine
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 cup butter, divided
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 whole shallot, minced
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes, reconstituted in warm water (measurement before reconstituting)
2 cups half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon white pepper, to taste
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup pesto sauce
1/4-1/2 cup romano cheese or 1/4-1/2 cup extra parmesan cheese, grated,for garnish
fresh ground black pepper, for garnish

Steps:

  • Cook linguini according to package directions.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt 2 teaspoons of the butter together with the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Brown the chicken breasts on both sides until nicely golden and juices run clear, about 6 to 7 minutes per side.
  • Remove from pan and cut into 1/2-inch cubes; set aside.
  • Pour out drippings from pan, but do not wipe it out.
  • In the pan you cooked the chicken in, melt remaining butter over medium heat.
  • Toss in the minced garlic, shallot, mushrooms, and reconstituted sundried tomatoes and sauté for 5 minutes, then stir in half and half and season with pepper.
  • Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Stir the Parmesan into the creamy mixture, stirring until well mixed.
  • Stir in the pesto, and cook for about 5 minutes, until thickened.
  • Stir in the chicken cubes and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
  • Re-heat the linguini (either in boiling water or microwave) and serve chicken and sauce over the hot pasta.
  • Garnish with grated Romano and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Makes 4 to 6 servings.

EASY CREAMY PESTO



Easy Creamy Pesto image

I use pre-made or prepared pesto. Pesto concentrate also works great. Very simple and really tasty sauce. Great over pasta, veggies, and chicken. Enjoy!

Provided by sarah

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes     Pasta Sauce Recipes     Creamy

Time 10m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons sour cream
3 tablespoons pesto, or more to taste

Steps:

  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in heavy cream. Add flour and mix well to remove clumps. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir sour cream and pesto into the saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring, until flavors combine, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.2 calories, Carbohydrate 4.5 g, Cholesterol 105.3 mg, Fat 35.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 20.2 g, Sodium 740 mg, Sugar 0.1 g

PENNE WITH CREAMY PESTO SAUCE



Penne with Creamy Pesto Sauce image

This is a recipe I concocted with ingredients on hand, including my homemade pesto. My family loved it! Serve vegetarian or top with a cooked chicken breast.

Provided by Sheri Miller

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1 (8 ounce) package sliced fresh mushrooms
¼ cup thinly sliced onion
1 clove garlic, minced
½ cup pine nuts
salt to taste
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups milk
1 cup prepared pesto
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon pine nuts

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still slightly firm, about 11 minutes; drain.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook and stir broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, onion, garlic, and 1/2 cup pine nuts until the broccoli and asparagus are tender, about 8 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat and stir in flour and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth. Slowly whisk in milk until thoroughly combined, bring to a simmer, and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer sauce, whisking constantly, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
  • Remove sauce from heat and whisk in prepared pesto. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  • Pour pesto sauce into skillet with broccoli mixture; gently stir in penne pasta until thoroughly combined. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon pine nuts to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 530.2 calories, Carbohydrate 56.6 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, Fat 26.5 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 21.5 g, SaturatedFat 7.7 g, Sodium 599 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

Tips:

  • Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh basil, nuts, and olive oil for the best flavor.
  • Use a Food Processor: A food processor makes it quick and easy to blend the pesto ingredients.
  • Adjust the Texture: Add more or less olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Taste and Adjust: Taste the pesto and adjust the seasonings accordingly.
  • Store Properly: Store leftover pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion:

With its vibrant green color, nutty flavor, and versatility, pesto is a beloved condiment that can elevate any dish. Whether you're using it as a sauce for pasta, a marinade for chicken, or a spread for sandwiches, pesto is sure to add a delicious touch. The recipes provided in this article offer various ways to enjoy pesto, from creamy pesto pasta to pesto grilled shrimp. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can create delicious and memorable meals that showcase the vibrant flavors of pesto. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your kitchen, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey with pesto!

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