Creamy Pesto Macaroni

This delightful creamy pesto macaroni combines the vibrant flavors of fresh basil, garlic, and parmesan with the comforting texture of fettucine. It's a simple yet elegant dish that can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner. The creamy sauce, enriched with a touch of cream cheese, coats the pasta perfectly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. With the toasted notes of pine nuts and the savory hint of chicken broth, this pasta dish is both hearty and refreshing. Ideal for busy weeknights, it brings together delicious flavors with minimal effort. The garlic is boiled to mellow its bite, seamlessly blending into the pesto for a rich and smooth sauce. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. It's a sure crowd-pleaser for both family dinners and casual get-togethers. The delightful aroma and savory taste will leave you wondering why you didn’t make this sooner.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 3 tbsp Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• ½ tsp salt
• 350 g fettucine (approximately 5 mm medium-length pasta)

Sauce Ingredients

• 1 cup chicken broth (can use cube)
• 1 tbsp cream cheese

Preparation Time

Total: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the peeled garlic cloves and let them simmer for about 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, but keep the water; you'll use it for the pasta later.
2. Prepare the Pesto: In a blender, combine the boiled garlic with fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, olive oil, pine nuts, and salt. Blend the ingredients until they form a smooth, consistent mixture. This is your pesto sauce.
3. Cook the Pasta: In the same boiling water where the garlic was cooked, add the fettucine. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente as per package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
4. Heat the Broth: In a small saucepan, gently heat the chicken broth over medium-lower heat. Be sure not to let it boil.
5. Mix the Sauces: Gradually stir the prepared pesto mixture into the warmed chicken broth. Add the cream cheese, stirring constantly to ensure the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
6. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the saucepan with the pesto sauce, gently toss so each piece is coated evenly.
7. Simmer: Allow the pasta and sauce mixture to gently simmer together until the first bubble appears, this process takes about 2 minutes.
8. Serve Hot: Transfer the creamy pesto macaroni to a serving dish. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can substitute parmesan with a vegan alternative, and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Enhancements: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 420 per serving
• Protein: 12g
• Fats: 18g
• Carbs: 48g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta options such as rice or chickpea pasta.
• Vegan: Replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: Pair with a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread.
• Beverages: A crisp white wine or sparkling water complements this dish well.

Best Places

1. La Pastaia - A cozy corner known for its authentic Italian flavors. Location: 345 Park Avenue, New York, USA.
2. Trattoria al Forno - Renowned for freshly made pesto dishes. Location: 2500 Epcot Resorts Blvd, Orlando, USA.
3. Pasta Fresca - Offers a variety of pesto-inspired dishes. Location: Via Garibaldi 12, Florence, Italy.
4. The Bistro - A local favorite for artisanal pasta. Location: 1313 W Houston Ave, New York, USA.
5. Casa Bella - Known for using homegrown basil in their pesto. Location: 522 Broadway, San Francisco, USA.
6. Basilico - Serves a delightful creamy pesto macaroni. Location: 14 Place des Vosges, Paris, France.
7. The Italian Place - Celebrated for its authentic Italian recipes. Location: 10 Downing St, London, UK.
8. Ristorante Verde - Offers a unique take on pesto dishes. Location: 45 Via Tritone, Rome, Italy.
9. Pasta House - Known for inventive pasta flavors. Location: 4 Pioneer St, Sydney, Australia.
10. Al Dente Ristorante - Famous for homemade sauces. Location: Corso Magenta 20, Milan, Italy.