Description
Pesto Mozzarella Penne Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the creamy richness of melted mozzarella with the vibrant, herbaceous notes of fresh basil pesto. Each bite offers a satisfying texture, with the penne pasta providing a perfect al dente chew that complements the luscious sauce beautifully.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz penne pasta
- Pesto: 1 cup fresh basil pesto
- Cheese: 8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced
- Parmesan: 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: to taste
- Pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with garlic, then stir in the pesto and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Fold in the diced mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole wheat penne or zucchini noodles.
- Feel free to add vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: boiling and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
- Cholesterol: 30 milligrams
Keywords: Pesto Mozzarella Penne Pasta, Italian pasta, creamy pasta, basil pesto, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, homemade pesto, penne recipe, mozzarella cheese, pasta with pesto, one-pot pasta, weeknight dinner