I am a newlywed on a budget, just trying to make healthy and inexpensive meals for my husband and I to enjoy. He eats a lot, so cost is a big factor. Though I work 3 jobs, I manage to find time 6 nights a week to cook a full dinner for us both. I am constantly looking for new recipes that are moderately healthy, taste great, and won't break the bank.

On the side, I also own a brownie business called Gersheybars. My passion and love for cooking started when I was just a small child, baking with my mom and grandmother. The brownie recipe has been passed down through 5 generations and I am thrilled to finally have an outlet to share them with everybody else. Friends and family have helped spread the word and made my business as successful as it is today.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Fresh fettuccine with Basil Pesto

Yet another WW Takeout Tonight recipe, surprise surprise! Anyway, I didn't really feel like cooking dinner tonight, so I figured this would be quick, easy and painless. The basil gives the pasta a really fresh taste, which is certainly nice for the Winter months. And topped with a bunch of Parmesan cheese, you end up with a sort of creamy pesto sauce that's really flavorful and punchy.

Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 2 Tablespoons roasted pine nuts
  • 2 Tablespoons chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (I used about 1.5 Tablespoons to get the consistency I like)
  • 1 garlic clove, sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 9 oz fettuccine
  • 3 Tablespoons shredded/grated Parmesan cheese
  • ground pepper to taste
Directions

1. To prepare the pesto, puree the basil, pine nuts, broth, oil, garlic, and salt in a blender or food processor until a smooth paste is formed.

2. Meanwhile, cook the fettuccine according to package directions, drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid. Transfer fettuccine and reserved liquid to a serving bowl and keep warm. Add the pesto and Parmesan; toss to coat. Serve with cracked black pepper, if desired.

2 comments:

Jen said...

Oh that looks so yummy. I may have to try this recipe this weekend!

Ruth Strong said...

This looks and sounds great!

Love your dish too!