Farfalle with Creamy Pesto
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of this Farfalle with Creamy Pesto, a quick and deliciously satisfying pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe combines tender bow-tie pasta with a luscious sauce made from fresh basil pesto and velvety heavy cream, creating a rich, herbaceous coating that clings to every bite. The homemade pesto—crafted with aromatic garlic, toasted pine nuts, and nutty Parmesan cheese—elevates the dish with its fresh, vibrant taste. A sprinkle of juicy cherry tomatoes adds a burst of color and sweetness, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes and packed with comforting, gourmet flavors, this creamy pesto pasta is sure to impress your family and guests alike. Perfect for fans of Italian cuisine, this recipe is a must-try for anyone seeking an easy yet elevated pasta dish.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 350 grams Farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
- 2 cups Fresh basil leaves
- 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 30 grams Pine nuts
- 2 units Garlic cloves
- 80 milliliters Extra virgin olive oil
- 150 milliliters Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 3 liters Water for boiling pasta
- 1 tablespoon Salt for boiling pasta
- 100 grams Cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring 3 liters of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water and then add the farfalle pasta. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto sauce. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic cloves. Pulse for 5-10 seconds until the ingredients are roughly chopped.
With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. Blend until the mixture becomes a smooth, thick paste. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, then set aside.
In a large skillet, pour in the heavy cream and heat over medium-low. Stir occasionally to warm the cream, but avoid boiling.
Once the cream is warm, stir in the prepared pesto sauce. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.
Add the drained farfalle to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss the pasta gently to ensure it’s evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes over low heat to let the flavors meld together.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes (halved, if using) and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your Farfalle with Creamy Pesto!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2902 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.4 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.0 g | 270% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 200 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 8690 mg | 378% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 275.9 g | 100% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.0 g | 64% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.0 g | ||
| Protein | 73.3 g | 147% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 816 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 11.4 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 1275 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
