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Crispy Creamy Pesto Pasta

A delightful dish combining perfectly cooked pasta with a creamy pesto sauce, topped with a crispy finish that elevates your pasta night to a whole new level.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz Pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup Heavy cream
  • ¾ cup Pesto (fresh or store-bought)
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • Salt & Pepper (to taste)
  • ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (for topping) For a crispy finish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Reduce heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Add pesto and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if necessary.
  4. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy pesto sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of the pasta in the skillet and drizzle with olive oil. Broil for 2-3 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
  6. Remove from the oven, plate the pasta, and top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, make sure not to overcook the pasta and use high-quality ingredients. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.