Pesto Cream Sauce

Pesto cream sauce is a rich and flavorful sauce that combines the bold flavors of pesto with the creamy texture of a traditional cream sauce. This sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to a wide range of dishes, from pasta to chicken and seafood. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese with the smoothness of cream creates a sauce that is both comforting and bursting with vibrant flavors.

Pesto Cream Sauce
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Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

50 mins

Servings:

8

Ingredients

Pesto Cream Sauce
1 (16 ounce) package linguine pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic, sliced
½ cup butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 pinch salt
1 pinch pepper
1 ½ cups grated Romano cheese
1 cup prepared basil pesto
1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
20 mushrooms, chopped
3 roma (plum) tomato, diced

Directions

Pesto Cream Sauce

Step 1

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Stir in linguine and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 to 10 minutes; drain.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until tender and translucent. Stir in garlic and butter; sauté until garlic is soft and fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 3

Dissolve flour in milk; stir into onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper; simmer for 4 minutes, stirring constantly. Add cheese and stir until melted. Stir in pesto. Add shrimp, mushrooms, and tomatoes; cook for 4 minutes, or until heated through.

Step 4

Add pasta and toss until evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

677

Calories

38g

Fat

52g

Carbs

34g

Protein

Complement

The bright green color of pesto cream sauce adds a beautiful pop of color to any dish, making it visually appealing as well as delicious. The creamy texture of the sauce also helps to mellow out the sharpness of the garlic and basil, creating a well-balanced and satisfying flavor profile. Pesto cream sauce can be used as a topping for pasta, as a base for pizza, or as a dipping sauce for bread or vegetables. Its versatility and delicious taste make it a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike. Whether you are looking to elevate a simple weeknight meal or impress guests at a dinner party, pesto cream sauce is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.