Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce

While reading one of my favourite cooking blogs the other day I came across a recipe that I just had to try.  Of course it happened to be one that I wanted to try out on hubby first as I wasn't sure the kids would like it.

On Monday it was a public holiday here so we didn't have kids to feed as the boys were at their Dad's for dinner.  I gave this recipe a try and oh wow, it was delicious.  Even Hubby who isn't a huge fan of pasta dishes enjoyed it.  I changed the recipe just a smidge by adding in baby spinach leaves because I had them there to use up lol.

And you know the best bit............?????


Wait for it..........

The kids actually liked it!!!! Yay for me lol.  All 4 boys sampled it after school on Tuesday and they all declared it nice, I was floored I tell you!
Edited to add:  I made this again last night simply because I had a bunch of basil that had to be used up and I also had cream that needed using and the kids all devoured it!!  I didn't add the baby spinach leaves to their serving but I did add tomato and capsicum and they absolutely hoovered it up!!  They asked to have it again some time soon.  Just goes to show, sometimes you just have to try new things on the kids!!

Here is the link to Ree's original recipe:  Pasta with Pesto Cream Sauce
(Have a look at her blog, it is so inspirational and really funny to read!!)

PASTA WITH PESTO CREAM SAUCE

3/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons pine nuts

2 cloves garlic, peeled

Salt and pepper to taste

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1/2 cup thickened cream

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (additional)

360 grams pasta (I used spirals)

2 whole tomatoes, diced

Handful of baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped (this was my last minute idea)

Put pasta on to cook.

While pasta is cooking.....

Add basil leaves, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, pine nuts and salt and pepper to a food processor or blender.

Turn on machine and then drizzle in olive oil while it mixes.

Continue blending until combined, adding additional olive oil if needed.

Set aside

Heat cream, butter and extra parmesan in small saucepan over  a medium-low heat.

Add pesto and stir.

Drain pasta and place in a serving bowl (or just leave in saucepan as I did and serve straight from that lol)

Pour pesto cream over the top.

Toss to combine.

Add diced tomatoes and baby spinach leaves and toss quickly through.

Serve immediately!