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Creamy Pesto & Fava Bean Pasta

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A creamy and vibrant pasta dish featuring herbaceous pesto, tender fava beans, and a rich, silky sauce. Perfect for a quick yet elegant meal with fresh flavors.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
  • 1 cup shelled fava beans (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. If using fresh fava beans, blanch for 1 to 2 minutes and peel the outer skins. If using frozen, cook according to package instructions and drain.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in pesto sauce and heavy cream, mixing until smooth and heated through.
  6. Add cooked pasta and fava beans to the skillet and toss to coat.
  7. Pour in reserved pasta water gradually to create a creamy sauce.
  8. Stir in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and black pepper.
  9. Toss until well combined and heated through, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or pancetta for extra protein.
  • Substitute fava beans with peas or edamame if needed.
  • Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
  • Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
  • Use dairy-free alternatives for a vegan option.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/creamy-pesto-fava-bean-pasta/