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READY IN 15 mins

Simple Pesto Pasta

Read Reviews (9)

"Simply noodles with a pesto and butter sauce. You could add chopped cooked chicken or shrimp to make a fuller meal." — MOMof5

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Battle of the Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted

Garlic: Fresh Vs. Powdered

Original recipe makes 4 servings Change Servings

1/2 (16 ounce) box dry fettuccine pasta
1/4 cup butter, or to taste

3 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 cup pesto

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Directions

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil; cook the fettuccini at a boil until cooked through yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain. Transfer the fettuccini to a bowl.
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook the garlic and pesto in the melted butter until warmed, 2 to 3 minutes; pour over the fettuccini and toss to coat.

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PREP 5 mins
COOK 10 mins
READY IN 15 mins

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This was a wonderful side dish with chicken, but could easily be a main course. I didn't have fettuccine on hand, so I used wheat spaghetti. I did use about 1/2 the butter which worked out well. I used Basil Pecan Pesto by grettagirl.

—Pam-3BoysMama

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Jun 26, 2012

This "simple pesto pasta" can be made even more simple. First, since there is already garlic in the pesto I saw no need to add more, let alone 3 T. for a half pound of pasta! Second, I saved myself a pan to wash by just tossing the pasta with the pesto (I used homemade) and butter. Simple. This mix of pasta and pesto is a delicious, traditional classic - by all means add the pesto "to taste" and remember that less is more. (P.S. Be sure to reserve some of your pasta cooking water to add to your finished pasta if it becomes dry as it stands. If it stands long enough to do that :)

—naples34102

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14 Ratings

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May 09, 2011

Loved it! I make my own pesto and it was great in this recipe. I used a little extra butter and a little extra garlic Yum yum.

—beanie

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Oct 07, 2010

I made the spinach almond pesto from the website and perhaps used more than the 1/2 cup given. Also, I topped my pasta with well sauted onions, corn and red bell pepper with salt and cider vinegar. Even the husband who cannot eat pasta went for seconds. I think this is a great base recipe.

—VIVNIDHI

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Feb 07, 2012

Quick and easy way to use up pesto. Served with a grilled chicken breast on top to make a simple pasta dinner.

—PENNYLANE09

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Feb 16, 2012

Simple and Delicious. I used garlic butter for an even more garlic-y taste.

—Micki0310

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Jan 14, 2012

Simple, yummy and easy! Topped with some chopped green onions for color. Thanks!

—mommyluvs2cook

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Oct 02, 2012

I like recipes that are easy and good, and this surely is. I added a couple tablespoons of fat free sour cream for creamy pesto sauce, and served with rotini pasta. Thanks MOMof5.

—Clover

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Nutrition

Calories
392 kcal
20%

Carbohydrates
44.4 g
14%

Cholesterol
36 mg
12%

Fat
19.9 g
31%

Fiber
2.5 g
10%

Protein
10.9 g
22%

Sodium
205 mg
8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Simple Pesto Pasta

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 392
Calories from Fat: 180

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 19.9g 31 %
Saturated Fat 9.5g 47 %
Cholesterol 36mg 12 %
Sodium 205mg 8 %
Potassium 180mg 5 %
Total Carbohydrates 44.4g 14 %
Dietary Fiber 2.5g 10 %
Protein 10.9g 22 %
** Sugars 2g
Vitamin A 10 %
Vitamin C 5 %
Calcium 17 %
Iron 23 %
** Thiamin 1 %
Niacin 28 %
Vitamin B6 11 %
Magnesium 13 %
Folate 65 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.