Low Carb Penne Pasta in Pesto Cream Sauce
Indulge in a guilt-free comfort meal with this Low Carb Penne Pasta in Pesto Cream Sauce, a dish that marries rich, creamy flavors with the vibrant aroma of fresh basil pesto. Perfect for keto enthusiasts or anyone seeking a lighter pasta night, this recipe swaps traditional pasta with low-carb penne, ensuring a satisfying yet health-conscious meal. The silky sauce, made with heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and a delectable garlic-infused olive oil base, coats every bite with irresistible creaminess. Topped with optional pine nuts and fresh basil for added crunch and freshness, this quick and easy pasta dish is ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or elegant dinner parties. Savor the perfect balance of flavors with this wholesome yet indulgent twist on classic pesto pasta!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 oz Low carb penne pasta
- 1 cup Fresh basil pesto
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
- 5 leaves Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the low carb penne pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto cream sauce. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well and let it warm through gently, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the fresh basil pesto and combine well with the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the cooked and drained low carb penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly with the sauce.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning, if necessary, by adding a little more salt or pepper.
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with optional toasted pine nuts and fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2889 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 235.7 g | 302% | |
| Saturated Fat | 88.9 g | 444% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 354 mg | 118% | |
| Sodium | 4470 mg | 194% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.0 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 38.9 g | 139% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.8 g | ||
| Protein | 86.0 g | 172% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1746 mg | 134% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 938 mg | 20% | |
*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.
