If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, this Creamy Pesto Pasta with Cottage Cheese is a must-try. Combining the rich flavors of pesto with the creamy texture of cottage cheese, this pasta is a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Steps
- Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons of salt. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions.
- Just before draining the pasta, take out 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and let it sit for a minute in a colander.
- Transfer the drained pasta to a bowl, avoiding returning it to the hot cooking pot. Add your homemade pesto and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the pasta.
- Toss the pasta in the pesto and pasta water mixture until it is well-coated and has a silky texture. If the pasta appears too dry, gradually add more pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 quantity homemade pesto
- 300 – 350 g / 10 – 12 oz pasta of choice (e.g., ziti, penne, or spaghetti)
- 2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup pasta cooking water
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
FAQ
- How can I make my pesto pasta less oily?
- Use pasta cooking water to thin the pesto sauce instead of adding extra oil. The starch in the water emulsifies with the pesto, creating a glossy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- What type of pasta is best for pesto?
- Penne or ziti are preferred because they are easy to toss for even distribution. Spaghetti and other long-stranded pastas are also good options, though they might require more pasta water to maintain sauciness.
- Why shouldn’t I toss pesto pasta in the cooking pot or on the stove?
- The heat from the pot or stove can cause the basil in the pesto to turn black. It’s best to toss the pasta in a separate bowl to maintain the vibrant green color of the pesto.
- Can I reheat leftover pesto pasta?
- It’s not recommended to reheat pesto pasta because the heat can cause the basil to turn black. Instead, enjoy it at room temperature.
- How should I season my pesto pasta?
- Salt the pasta cooking water well, as pesto itself is usually not seasoned enough to flavor the pasta adequately once combined.
Tips
- Always toss your pesto pasta in a bowl instead of the pot you cooked it in, as the basil doesn’t react well to heat and can turn black.
- Be sure to reserve at least one cup of pasta cooking water just before draining, as this starchy water helps to create a glossy, emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
- Salt your pasta water generously because pesto itself is often not salty enough, and this is the best way to ensure your dish is well-seasoned.
- Avoid reheating leftover pesto pasta, as this can cause the basil to turn black. Instead, enjoy it at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Mixing bowl for tossing pasta with pesto sauce
