Low Carb Penne Pasta In Pesto Cream Sauce Food

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

EASY PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Place all ingredients in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until it just starts to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat. Makes 1 cup, enough for 8 ounces of pasta. Mix it into pasta in a bowl, then add additional salt to taste.

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.

DELICIOUS PESTO CREAM SAUCE

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet and then add the butter and oil.
• Over medium heat, saute the shallots and garlic until soft.Do not get the heat too high or the garlic will burn.
• Add the wine and the chicken broth and season with the salt and pepper.
• Reduce in half, stirring occasionally.
• Add cream and pesto and incorporate well.
• Lower the heat and add 1/4 of the cheese, stir well.
• Then add another 1/4 cup of the cheese and when that is incorporated, add the pasta.
• Toss well and serve.
• Accent well with the remaining cheese.

CREAMY GARLIC PENNE PASTA

Steps:

• Melt butter and add garlic in a medium sauce pan.
• Cook over medium for 1 minute.
• Add flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
• Stir in broth and milk and cook, stirring frequently, until sauce boils and thickens.
• Add parsley, salt, pepper and cheese.
• Stir until cheese is melted.
• Toss hot pasta with sauce and serve immediately.

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.