Rigatoni and bacon tossed in an incredible cheesy-pesto sauce that is so delicious everyone would think you spent hours making it. When it is super easy and quick to make!
I love to make this with bacon but of course if you do not eat meat, it is JUST as good alone. The key to making this so delicious and fresh is by making a fresh pesto sauce. Lots of fresh basil, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Pureed all together in blender/food processor. It takes less than 10 minutes.
Look how vibrant and beautiful this is! We will saute garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil, whisk in flour, and heavy cream. Add the pesto, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese and warm until thickened. Next goes the pasta and bacon. Mix until well combined.
If you are interested in these incredible hand-crafted pasta bowls, I got them from Haand Porcelain Tableware. You can get 15% off the entire order with a special promo code: SHESGOTTHECOOKS. Here is the link https://haand.us/?dt_id=435651&fbclid=IwAR1y9GyvUboUgLBy3sBt9JdhoreSB4T5SUtdHRKomd1nGDE0GkLRV6RM_mw
Okay, back to the pasta, are we hungry yet? Let’s get started!
Creamy Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
Pesto sauce
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup plus 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Pasta-Sauce
- 1 pound Rigatoni, cooked to al dente
- 1/2 package thick cut bacon, cut into bite size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup pesto sauce you can always buy store bought if you would like
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated plus more for garnish
Instructions
Pesto Sauce
- In a food processor or blender add all the pesto ingredients and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Puree, slowly pour in the remaining oil and mix until smooth. Set it aside. Any leftovers can be refrigerated.
- In a large saucepan cook the bacon until crispy but not over cooked. Move to a paper towel and let it drain.
- Start a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil. (Add the pasta when the water is boiling) Cook until al dente.
- While the water starts going let's make the sauce.
- Over med heat, add 1 tbsp of oil. Then the garlic and red pepper flakes. Sautee for 1 minute.
- Add the flour and whisk. Next add the heavy cream and whisk until smooth. Then goes the pesto sauce and parmesan cheese.Continue to whisk until it begins to thicken.
- Add the bacon and cooked pasta. Stir until the pasta is well coated. Add salt and pepper then mix.
- Plate with extra parmesan cheese, extra black pepper, and garnish with basil if you would like.
- Enjoy!
