Basil Pesto Pasta

Pasta recipes are my best go to options when i don't want to eat rice or roti and at the same time want to make a quick meal.Pasta is generally a simple dish,but comes in large varieties because it is a versatile food item.Pasta sauces also vary in taste,color and texture. I haven't had a chance to experiment with making pasta sauces at home,except for the Alfredo sauce. But my personal favorite is the Basil Pesto sauce.The flavors of fresh basil, crunchiness of the nuts and parmesan cheese makes an excellent combination.Here is another quick recipe with store bought Basil Pesto sauce.

Time:Making Time (20 mins)

Difficulty level:Medium

Ingredients:

• Penne Pasta - 1 cup (i used Whole wheat)
• Vegetables (Broccoli,Sun dried Tomatoes,Bell peppers) - 1 cup finely chopped
• Garlic - 3-4 finely chopped
• Basil Pesto sauce - 3 tbsp ( From Trader's Joe)
• Olive Oil - 1 tbsp
• Oregano Seasoning - 1 tsp
• Black Pepper Powder - 1 tsp
• Grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 tsp for garnish (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the Penne pasta in water with a drop of oil for 10-15 mins . Drain the water and keep aside.(Take care not to overcook the pasta.Run the pasta through cold water to avoid it being sticky.)
2. In a pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil,chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 mins
3. To this,add the vegetables along with a little salt and simmer until the vegetables are half-cooked. I used just broccoli and sun dried tomatoes in this recipe.
4. Now add 2 tbsp of Basil Pesto sauce sauce and stir well so that the veggies and sauce mixes well.
5. Add the cooked Pasta and mix well. Then add Black Pepper Powder,Oregano and salt to taste and sauté for few mins
6. Garnish it with some grated parmesan cheese. Yummy,hot pasta ready :)

Variations :

- Feel free to add on more veggies like Bell peppers,Mushrooms etc.
- I prefer to use Sun Dried Tomatoes when making pasta as it has a unique flavor to it. 
- You can add grated cheese for an extra flavor and extra calorie ;)
- Safeway or Trader's Joe has a variety of good Pasta sauces. You can alter the same recipe by using other sauces like Garlic Alfredo or Arabiata or Basil Pesto.
- You can also use other types of Pasta like Fettuccine,Linguine,spaghetti,macaroni,farfelle etc

Basil Pesto Penne

Fettuccine Alfredo Pasta with homemade sauce

Pasta is generally a simple dish,but can be customized to a large extent as well.To be honest,I never liked eating pasta the first few times i tried it.But I developed a great liking for it eventually.Most Pasta sauces are rich and very creamy with lots of cheese in them. I always use the store bought Pasta sauce as i dreaded making the sauce at home.
I bumped into this healthy recipe from the Betty Crocker website and customized it a little according to my tastes.Believe me, this recipe tastes great!

Time:Making Time (30 mins)

Difficulty level:Medium

Ingredients:

• Fettuccine - 1 lb
• Whole Milk - 2 cups
• All-purpose flour - 1 tbsp
• Garlic - 2 tsp finely chopped
• Olive Oil - 2 tbsp 
• Cayenne (Red) pepper - 1/2 tsp
• Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 tsp
• Grated Parmesan or Romano cheese - 2/3 cup
• Fresh Parsley - 1 tbsp chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. Cook the Fettuccine pasta as directed on the package with a drop of olive oil. Drain the water and keep aside.(Take care not to overcook the pasta.Run the pasta through cold water to avoid it being sticky.)
2. Meanwhile, in a bowl stir milk,flour,salt,black pepper and red pepper with a whisk until the ingredients are mixed well and there are no lumps.
3. In a sauce pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil,chopped garlic and sauté for 2-3 mins
4. To this,stir in the milk mixture and cook over medium heat for 8-10 mins or until the mixture starts to thicken and boil.
5. Now add the parmesan cheese to this and cook until the cheese melts.
6. Add the cooked Pasta and mix well till the pasta gets coated well in the sauce.
7. Garnish it with fresh parsley,if available. . Yummy,hot pasta ready :)

Variations :

- I like to keep my Pasta simple and not very cheesy.
- I used Parmesan Cheese,you can use Romano cheese as an alternative or both,if you need extra calories ;)
- I prefer to use Olive Oil for my pasta. You can use butter,if you prefer
- I didnt have fresh parsley,hence i used the dried one.

Fettucicne Alfredo Pasta