Pasta With Pesto Cream Sauce

This easy side dish is perfect for grilled chicken or any of your BBQ dishes during the spring/summer. It is so easy to put together and super affordable. I love whipping up great meals or side dishes straight out of the pantry without making 2 or 3 trips to the grocery store for certain items.

I always have these items on hand stored in my pantry for quick meals. This makes it so much easier to go to the pantry and throw together a meal. So, Let’s get started.

Here is what you will need:

INGREDIENTS:

1 box pasta (small shaped pasta) or gnocchi
1 1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup milk (or chicken broth)
4 tbsp butter ( can use 2 tbsp)
4 cloves garlic- minced
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cup parmesan cheese – grated or shaved
1/2 cup prepared pesto – any brand will do

DIRECTIONS:

1. To a large pot of boiling water add 1 tbsp salt and stir to dissolve. Add the pasta and stir. Cook until al dente.
2. When The pasta is almost done to al dente, to a large skillet over medium heat, add the cream and milk and heat until warmed through.
3. Turn the heat to low and add the pesto, butter, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 3 minutes.
4. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Add the pasta and toss to coat well.
6. Check the seasoning and adjust to taste. Serve with your favorite protein of choice such as grilled chicken.

• Serve with grilled chicken on the side or toss with the pasta.
• You can serve with grilled or sauteed mushrooms if this is something that you prefer. We love grilling up some bella mushrooms and adding them to the pasta instead of chicken. (sometimes)
• You can adjust the measurements of this dish easily to fit your family. You can half or even double this recipe.