Name: Linguine with Creamy Pesto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces dry linguine, uncooked; 1 pkg (3 oz each) fresh basil leaves (3 oz = about 2 cups); 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cloves garlic, peeled; SprayLite Olive Oil Cooking Spray; 4 ounces light cream cheese or additional grated Parmesan cheese, salt and ground black pepper, optional

Ingredients

8 ounces dry linguine, uncooked

1 pkg (3 oz each) fresh basil leaves (3 oz = about 2 cups)

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1 cloves garlic, peeled

SprayLite Olive Oil Cooking Spray

4 ounces light cream cheese or additional grated Parmesan cheese, salt and ground black pepper, optional

Directions

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, place basil, 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese and the garlic in a food processor container; cover. Process until chopped. Spray evenly with SprayLite Olive Oil Cooking Spray; cover. Process until well blended; set aside.

Drain pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water. Cover pasta to keep warm. Place reserved cooking water in a large skillet.

Add cream cheese to water in a skillet; cook over medium-low heat until cream cheese is completely melted, stirring frequently. Gradually add basil mixture, stirring until well blended. Cook for 3 minutes, or until heated through, stirring frequently. Add pasta; toss to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve warm.