Introduction
This delightful pasta dish combines vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients to create a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With the richness of creamy pesto, tender pasta, and ripe tomatoes, this recipe stands out for its burst of color and taste. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting friends, this pasta dish is sure to impress!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pasta:
– 8 ounces medium pasta shells
– 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– ½ medium sweet onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup chicken stock
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
Pesto:
– 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
– 1½ cups broccoli florets
– 1½ cups packed fresh basil
– Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup chicken stock
Prep Time
Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 15 minutes.
Cook Time
Cook time is about 20 minutes, making this a quick and easy dish to whip up.
Total Time
The total time to prepare and cook this pasta dish is roughly 35 minutes.
Yield
This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or sharing with friends. Enjoy this flavorful dish, packed with nutrients and deliciousness!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pesto
Combine the spinach, broccoli, and basil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper. With the motor running, slowly add the chicken stock until the mixture is emulsified. Set aside.
Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain well.
Blister the Cherry Tomatoes
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst and soften, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Make the Roux
Whisk in the flour and cook until lightly browned, about 1 minute.
Prepare the Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is reduced and slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.
Incorporate Pesto and Cream
Stir in the prepared pesto and heavy cream. Cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until well combined, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate Cheeses
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted, about 1 minute.
Serve the Dish
Serve immediately, topped with the blistered cherry tomatoes.
Notes
Pasta Choice
Feel free to substitute medium pasta shells with a pasta type of your choice if preferred.
Pesto Variations
You can add nuts such as pine nuts or walnuts to the pesto for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Preparing Pesto
To prepare pesto, combine fresh baby spinach, broccoli florets, and basil in a food processor. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. Slowly add chicken stock while the processor is running to achieve an emulsified texture.
Cooking Pasta
Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of boiling salted water. Follow the package instructions for cooking time, then drain the pasta well to remove excess water.
Blistering Cherry Tomatoes
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they burst and soften. This enhances their natural sweetness and adds flavor to the dish.
Sautéing Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, use more olive oil to sauté diced onion until it becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook until fragrant for a flavorful base of the sauce.
Creating a Creamy Sauce
Whisk in flour to the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, cooking until lightly browned. Gradually whisk in chicken stock, bringing to a boil and then simmering until thickened. Finally, stir in pesto and heavy cream for a rich flavor.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Season with salt and pepper, then integrate shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until melted and creamy.
FAQ
Can I substitute different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use different types of pasta, but cooking times may vary depending on the pasta shape.
Can I use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock?
Absolutely! Vegetable stock is a great alternative for a vegetarian option.
What can I do with leftover pesto?
Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds richness, but you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative if you prefer a lighter dish.
How can I make the dish spicier?
Adding red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce can give the dish an extra kick of spice.
Conclusion
This pasta dish combines the flavors of fresh vegetables, aromatic seasonings, and creamy cheeses, creating a delightful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The addition of pesto elevates the taste and adds a vibrant color, making it not just delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe showcases the versatility of pasta and fresh ingredients.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetable Lasagna
Layer pasta sheets with ricotta, spinach, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with fresh mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a refreshing side dish.
Chicken Alfredo
Sauté chicken breast and toss it with fettuccine, heavy cream, and Parmesan for a rich and creamy classic.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Pasta
Combine cooked pasta with spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and cheddar for a comforting baked dish.
Pasta Primavera
Toss pasta with a variety of seasonal vegetables sautéed in olive oil and seasoned with garlic and Parmesan for a bright, healthy meal.
