Creamy Pesto Pasta Bake Recipe By Tasty Food

CREAMY PESTO PASTA BAKE RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• To make the pesto, mix basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, cold water, heavy cream, salt, and pepper in a food processor for about 30 seconds. Add in olive oil. Process until combined, set aside.
• Cook fusilli to very al dente, or about 3-4 minutes before the package instructs for cook time, then drain pasta.
• Halve cherry tomatoes.
• In a skillet or casserole pan, mix fusilli, cherry tomatoes, and pesto.
• Top with grated parmesan and mozzarella balls.
• Bake at 400° Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until mozzarella has melted.
• Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh basil. Serve immediately.
• Enjoy!

CHICKEN PESTO PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta to just short of al dente.
• Drain the pasta, and place in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the chopped chicken and pesto to the bowl, and stir to coat.
• If adding vegetables, add them to the bowl now.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the flour, and whisk to form a roux.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Slowly whisk the stock into the roux.
• Bring to a boil, and contiue to whisk until the sauce is slightly thickened.
• Crumble the boullion cube, and add to the sauce.
• Stir in the lemon juice.
• Taste the sauce for seasoning, and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Add the sauce to the chicken and pasta mixture.
• Stir to combine well, then place the mixture in the prebared baking dish.
• Top with the grated cheese.
• If making ahead, cover at this point and chill until needed.
• Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden. If made ahead, the baking time may need to be increased.

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.

SIMPLE CREAMY PESTO PASTA

Steps:

• Put pasta on to boil.
• While the pasta is cooking, melt the first lot of butter and saute mushrooms, garlic and proscuitto (or ham). Remove from pan, keep warm.
• Melt second lot of butter. Add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in stock and milk and cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens.
• Add the mushrooms, proscuitto and cheese.
• Stir until cheese is melted.
• Add the pesto, salt and pepper.
• Toss hot pasta with sauce and serve immediately.

CREAMY PESTO CHICKEN PASTA

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.