Rich Basil Pesto Cream Pasta
Flavorful Basil Pesto Cream Pasta Recipe
I couldn’t find the basil pesto I remembered having, so I bought a new jar at the store, only to discover the old one lurking in the fridge upon returning home! 😂 No worries, though! Let’s use up that extra pesto by making a delicious and quick Basil Pesto Cream Pasta. The delightful combination of fragrant basil and creamy sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti, 2 servings (approx. 180-200g)
- Thick-cut bacon, 5 strips (approx. 100g)
- Minced garlic, 1 Tbsp (fresh recommended)
- Dried or fresh chili peppers, 1-2 (adjust to your spice preference)
- Heavy cream or milk, 2 – 2.5 cups (approx. 480-600ml)
- Good quality basil pesto, 4 Tbsp (generous amount!)
- Salt, 1 pinch (for boiling pasta)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and 1 Tbsp of olive oil to prevent the spaghetti from sticking. Add the spaghetti for 2 servings and cook for about 8-9 minutes, which is about 1 minute less than the package instructions. It’s important to cook it ‘al dente’ as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, heat a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and minced garlic, and sauté. The bacon will release its own fat, which makes the garlic extra flavorful and delicious as it fries. Stir occasionally, being careful not to burn the garlic, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
Step 3
Once the bacon and garlic are nicely sautéed, pour in 2 to 2.5 cups of heavy cream or milk into the pan. If you prefer a lighter sauce, use milk. For a richer, creamier taste, opt for heavy cream. Stir gently and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Step 4
When the sauce is warm, add 4 Tbsp of basil pesto and the chili peppers (seeded and finely chopped, or added whole for more heat) to the pan for a spicy kick. Stir well to combine the basil pesto with the cream sauce. You’ll start smelling that wonderful basil aroma now!
Step 5
Now, carefully transfer the cooked spaghetti directly from the pot into the sauce pan. Add about half a ladle of the pasta cooking water to the sauce; this helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta beautifully. Toss everything together over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and finish cooking. Ensure the sauce coats every strand.
Step 6
Finally, it’s time to season. Add just a pinch of salt, as the pesto and bacon are already salty. Finish with a generous grind of fresh black pepper for added aroma and depth. Stir once more to combine everything evenly. Your delicious Basil Pesto Cream Pasta is ready! Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.
