Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta

I'm going to tell you a little secret.......well, I guess it's not a total secret........ I have a serious addiction to Fettuccine Alfredo.  I think it is one of the most delicious, indulgent things on earth!  Personally I would choose to eat this over a piece of chocolate cake any day! 

I know I have not been posting the most "figure flattering" recipes lately, but we had this for dinner last night and it was just so good that I had to share it with you!

Creamy Pesto Alfredo Pasta

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1lb. pasta shells (1 box)

2 cups heavy cream

1/3 cup pesto (store-bought or fresh)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 clove garlic chopped (or 1 teaspoon jar garlic).

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (+ more for garnish)

1 teaspoon salt

Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions.  Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.  Add garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes (do not allow garlic to brown).  Add pesto and cook for 3 minutes.  I like to cook the store-bought pesto a little bit because I think it mellows out the flavor which can be VERY strong sometimes.  

Add heavy cream, salt, pepper and Parmesan and turn heat up to medium-high.  Once the cream sauce begins to bubble turn the heat down to medium low.  Allow sauce to thicken for about 10 minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.  Taste your sauce and determine whether or not you would like to add a little more salt or pepper.  If it doesn't taste SUPER delicious to you, then chances are you need more salt.

Once cooked, drain pasta (reserving 1/3 cup pasta cooking liquid).  Add cooking liquid to sauce and stir to combine.  Then add drained pasta to the sauce in the saute pan.  Stir until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy pesto alfredo sauce.

Serve in pasta bowls and sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese before serving.  This dish is wonderful with garlic bread & Caesar salad!

Cottage Mama's Note:  During the winter months, I prefer to buy store-bought pesto just because I find fresh basil to be somewhat expensive in the store.  However, in the summer, when my herb garden is in full swing, fresh pesto is the best!!