Ingredients
Scale
Here’s everything you need to bring this delightful recipe to life:
- 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup of store-bought or homemade pesto
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes or cooked chicken for added protein
Feel free to adapt the ingredients as needed—substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create a dish that’s both quick and flavorful:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the pasta, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the pot. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re adding cherry tomatoes or chicken, mix them in at this step.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Cooking should be as much about enjoying the process as it is about the outcome. So take a moment to savor the aromas that fill your kitchen while making this dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International