Description
Creamy Pesto Pasta Shells are a must-try delight, combining rich flavors and a creamy texture for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces large pasta shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta shells to the skillet and gently toss to coat them in the creamy pesto sauce.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 100mg