19+ Christmas Pesto Pasta Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Christmas is a time for indulgence and delicious meals shared with loved ones. And what better way to celebrate than with a festive twist on a classic Italian dish - pesto pasta. This Christmas pesto pasta recipe is the perfect addition to any holiday menu, combining the traditional flavors of basil, garlic, and parmesan with seasonal ingredients like cranberries and pine nuts. So, get ready to impress your guests with this mouth-watering and easy-to-make dish that will surely become a new holiday favorite.
Main Ingredients: Spaghetti, Broccoli, Pesto, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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Main Ingredients: Pasta, Pesto, Garlic, Basil Leaves, Cashew Nuts, Lemon
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Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad
Main Ingredients: Rotisserie Chicken, Pasta, Pesto, English Peas, Cracked
This chicken pesto pasta salad is a great option for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner. The combination of chicken, pesto, and al dente pasta creates a flavorful and satisfying salad that's perfect for a warm summer day. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite veggies and toppings.
Ingredients
For the pesto sauce:
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cloves garlic
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup dried cranberries
For the pasta:
1 pound penne pasta
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
In a food processor, combine the basil, pine nuts, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Pulse until well combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while the food processor is running until a smooth and creamy pesto sauce forms.
Add in the dried cranberries and pulse a few times to incorporate.
In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
In a separate pan, heat the pesto sauce over medium heat. Add in the reserved pasta water and stir until well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the pesto sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
Garnish with additional dried cranberries and toasted pine nuts.
Serve hot and enjoy your festive Christmas pesto pasta!
This Christmas pesto pasta recipe is not only delicious, but it also adds a beautiful touch of holiday colors to your table. The bright red of the cranberries and the deep green of the pesto make for a visually stunning dish. Plus, the addition of dried cranberries in the pesto sauce adds a hint of sweetness, balancing out the savory flavors perfectly.
Not only is this dish perfect for a holiday dinner, but it also makes for a great leftover meal. Simply reheat the pasta and add a splash of olive oil to freshen up the flavors. You can also add some cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a heartier meal.
So, this Christmas, impress your guests with this festive twist on a classic Italian dish. With just a few simple ingredients and easy instructions, you can create a mouth-watering and visually stunning Christmas pesto pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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