Creamy Pesto Penne with Toasted Nuts and Mozzarella
25 minutes
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About Creamy Pesto Penne with Toasted Nuts and Mozzarella
Craving a creamy, decadent pasta dish that's both easy and impressive? This Pesto Penne with toasted nuts and fresh mozzarella is a luxurious twist on a classic, guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings.The vibrant basil pesto mingles beautifully with creamy cottage cheese, creating a rich sauce that coats every strand of penne. Toasted cashews and walnuts add a delightful crunch, while fresh mozzarella provides a melt-in-your-mouth finish.Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend brunch, this recipe is surprisingly simple to make and sure to wow your family and friends.
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Recipe Time & More
Prep15 minutes
Cook10 minutes
Total25 minutes
Ingredients
Pesto
- 2 bunch Basil fresh
- 100 gm Mozzarella Cheese
- 250 gm Cottage Cheese or paneer
- 40 gm Cashews
- 40 gm Walnuts
- 2.5 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Pasta
- 1 cup Penne Pasta
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Combine the basil, mozzarella, cottage cheese, cashews, walnuts, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor or blender.
- Blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pesto to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. This helps to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the pesto.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For an extra-crispy, golden topping, transfer the finished penne to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional mozzarella and a handful of chopped nuts, then broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and browned.
- If you prefer a lighter texture, substitute part of the cottage cheese with ricotta or blend the cottage cheese until smooth before mixing for a silkier sauce that still retains its richness.
- To enhance the pesto’s flavor depth, lightly toast the cashews and walnuts in a dry pan before blending into the sauce—this intensifies their nuttiness and adds extra crunch.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a touch of heat.
- Serve this pesto penne with a side of grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
- This dish reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container.
- When ready to serve, add a splash of milk or cream before microwaving or baking to restore creaminess and prevent dryness.
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Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 1090kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 47gFat: 91gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 26.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 52.2gFiber: 5gSugar: 11g
Kirti Misra
Articles: 101
4 Comments
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What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the inspiration! Looks tasty.
Great recipe! I’m eager to try it.
Looks so mouthwatering! Thanks for sharing.