Cheesy Pesto One-Pan Pasta
Cheesy Pesto One-Pan Pasta
No time for dinner? This quick and easy, this Cheesy Pesto One-Pan Pasta is ready in only 15 minutes and is a cinch to clean up. Made with a handful of fresh ingredients and dried pasta, this dinner comes together in mere minutes using only a blender and one pot. Just blend up the sauce, add to the hot pasta, toss, and serve.
The bite-sized pasta marries with the aromatic, bright, and herby basil, and the salty, rich, creamy cottage cheese to form a savory, rich dinner quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions. Light and satisfying, this pasta is easily customizable. Try adding vegetables and your favorite protein for a tasty twist.
Cheesy Pesto One-Pan Pasta Ingredients
- Water (2 ½ cups): To cook the pasta and thin the pesto sauce.
- Dry Bite-Sized Pasta (8 ounces): Found in most pantries, dried pasta is economical and great for saucy dishes. Any bite-sized pasta will work for this recipe.
- Daisy Cottage Cheese (1/2 cup): A protein powerhouse, the cottage cheese adds a creamy and slightly salty taste to this easy sauce. It’s the main source of protein in the recipe.
- Minced Garlic (1 heaping teaspoon): One of the flavors of pesto, it adds a savory bite to the sauce.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup, packed): Fresh, herby, sweet, pungent, and slightly spicy, the basil combined with the cottage cheese is the base of the pesto sauce.
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Fruity and earthy, this classic spice adds a pinch of warm heat to the sauce.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 cup): Adds a richness to the sauce with hints of spicy, pungent, peppery flavor.
Substitutions, Variations, and Tips
- Gluten-free pasta may be used in place of wheat pasta.
- Crushed red pepper flakes may be added for a punch of heat.
- A sprinkle of parmesan cheese may be added for a richer flavor and a classic finishing touch.
- Try adding your favorite toppers for a heartier meal, such as cooked protein such as chicken or shrimp, and/or add fresh veggies such as asparagus or tomatoes.
- Great for leftovers! To reheat, add a few drops of water to help revive the sauce. Cover and microwave in short intervals, stirring between intervals, until warm (about 1-2 minutes).
How To Make Cheesy Pesto One-Pan Pasta
- Add water to a medium saucepot, cover, and bring to a boil. Add pasta, stir, cover, and reduce to a simmer. Cook 12-15 minutes. Keep covered and stir occasionally.
- Place cottage cheese and garlic in food processor. Process 10 seconds. Add basil leaves and pepper. Process 1 minute. Add olive oil. Process a few seconds more until completely smooth.
- Add sauce to undrained, cooked pasta. Stir to coat evenly and serve.
Creamy Mushroom One-Pan Pasta
Creamy Mushroom One-Pan Pasta
Quick and easy, this Creamy Mushroom One-Pan Pasta is not only delicious, it’s also ready in less than 30 minutes and is a cinch to clean up since it’s made in one pot, allowing the ingredients to marry into a rich, bold flavor.
Pasta is a weeknight go-to comfort food. When combined with the warmth and earthiness of mushrooms, it becomes a recipe that’s cozy, rich, creamy, and indulgent. The mushrooms add a deep and savory flavor with a meaty texture. The pasta adds a slightly chewy, tender bite, while the cottage cheese adds a creamy richness and boost of protein.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta Ingredients
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and flavor to the garlic and mushrooms.
- Minced Garlic (4 teaspoons): Pairs perfectly with the mushrooms, it adds depth of flavor to the pasta.
- Baby Portabella Mushrooms (8 ounces, sliced): More savory than white button mushrooms with a deeper, earthier flavor, which becomes pronounced when sautéed in the butter and garlic.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): The classic combination of seasonings, they enhance the flavor of savory dishes.
- Dry Fettuccine (8 ounces): Found in most pantries, dried pasta is economical and great for saucy dishes. Any string-like pasta will work for this recipe.
- Vegetable Stock (3 ½ cups): Enhances the flavor of the pasta and adds another layer of flavor.
- Daisy Cottage Cheese (1 cup, blended): A protein powerhouse, the cottage cheese adds a creamy and slightly salty taste to the easy sauce. It contains a type of protein called casein protein, which absorbs slowly into the body, helping you stay full longer.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 teaspoon, finely shredded): Adds rich fishing touch to the pasta.
Substitutions, Variations, and Tips
- Gluten-free pasta may be used in place of penne.
- Crushed red pepper flakes may be added for a punch of heat.
- Additional parmesan cheese may be added for a richer flavor and a classic finishing touch.
- Try topping with some fresh herbs, such as thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Try adding your favorite protein for a heartier meal, such as grilled chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage.
- Add some veggies. Throw in any pre-cooked veggies that you like.
- Great for leftovers! To reheat, add a few drops of water to help revive the sauce. Cover and microwave in short intervals, stirring between intervals, until warm (about 1-2 minutes).
How to Make Creamy Mushroom Pasta
- Add butter and garlic to deep pan. Sauté 1 minute over medium heat. Add mushrooms, salt, and pepper. Continue to sauté until mushrooms have softened, browned, and moisture has evaporated.
- Add dry fettuccini and broth. Stir to combine and cover. Turn heat up to medium-high and allow broth to boil. Stir pasta, replace lid, and turn heat down to medium-low. Simmer 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally (there will be a little liquid left). Remove from heat.
- Add blended cottage cheese and stir to combine. Add parmesan and stir until melted.
