Get ready to transform your ordinary pasta night into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Farfalle with Creamy Chipotle Pesto is not just another pasta dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the smoky heat of chipotle with luxurious creamy textures that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz farfalle pasta
- 1/2 cup creamy chipotle pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 12 oz of farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy chipotle pesto sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of creamy chipotle pesto and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat.
- Add the creamy chipotle pesto mixture to the pasta in the pot. Stir well to combine, ensuring that all the pasta is coated evenly with the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and incorporated into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
- Once everything is heated through and well combined, remove the pot from the heat. Serve the farfalle in bowls or plates, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Enjoy your creamy chipotle pesto farfalle while it's hot!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it should taste like the sea to properly season your pasta from the inside out.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water before draining; the starchy liquid is your secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- Cook pasta just until al dente - it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of olive oil when mixing the sauce with pasta.
- Fresh basil is crucial for garnish - it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, smoky sauce.
- If you want more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when mixing the sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
