Creamy Pesto Shells are a rich, vibrant, and creamy pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Made with a fresh basil pesto mixed with broccoli, spinach, heavy cream, and mozzarella, this dish is as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s quick to prepare and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, all while serving up the most epic creamy pesto sauce you’ve ever tasted.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Pesto:

  • 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

  • 1 ½ cups broccoli florets

  • 1 ½ cups packed fresh basil

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 cup chicken stock

• For the Pasta:

  • 8 ounces medium pasta shells

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • ½ medium sweet onion, diced

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup chicken stock

  • ½ cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

Directions

1. Make the Pesto:
   In a food processor, combine spinach, broccoli, and basil. Season with salt and pepper. With the motor running, add chicken stock in a slow stream until emulsified. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain well.

3. Prepare the Tomatoes:
   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to burst, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. Cook the Onion and Garlic:
   Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Make the Sauce:
   Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 4 minutes.

6. Combine Everything:
   Stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Add pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve:
   Serve the creamy pesto shells immediately, topped with the blistered cherry tomatoes.

Nutrients

• Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal per serving

• Fat: 25-30g

  • Saturated Fat: 12-14g

• Cholesterol: 40-50mg

• Sodium: 700-900mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 50-55g

  • Sugars: 6-8g

• Protein: 15-18g

• Vitamin A: 30-40% of the daily value

• Vitamin C: 20-25% of the daily value

• Calcium: 20-25% of the daily value

• Iron: 8-10% of the daily value

Why Choose Creamy Pesto Shells?

Creamy Pesto Shells are not just your average pasta dish. The creamy pesto sauce takes this meal to another level, combining the fresh taste of spinach, basil, and broccoli with rich, smooth cream and cheese. This combination of flavors is not only delicious but also offers a balance of fresh, savory, and creamy elements that will leave you coming back for more.

The shell pasta works wonderfully with this creamy sauce because its shape perfectly holds the pesto and cheese, allowing each bite to be packed with flavor. The addition of sautéed cherry tomatoes adds a slight sweetness that cuts through the richness of the sauce, giving the dish an added layer of complexity. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still provides some nutritional benefits, thanks to the vegetables and fresh herbs.

The Pesto: Fresh, Flavorful, and Nutritious

The pesto is the heart of this dish, and by using fresh spinach, basil, and broccoli, you not only get an incredibly vibrant green sauce but also one that’s packed with nutrients. Spinach and broccoli provide a rich source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, while basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor. The addition of chicken stock helps emulsify the ingredients, making the pesto smooth and easy to combine with the creamy sauce. This homemade pesto gives the dish a fresh, garden-fresh flavor that complements the richness of the other ingredients without overpowering the pasta.

The choice of using broccoli in the pesto is a brilliant way to add even more nutrition to this dish without sacrificing flavor. The broccoli blends in seamlessly, contributing to the overall creaminess and depth without being too noticeable, making it a great option for sneaking in some extra greens.

The Pasta: Shells Hold the Flavor

Medium pasta shells are the perfect vehicle for this creamy pesto sauce. Their ridged surface and shape allow them to capture the creamy pesto sauce and melted cheese in every bite. Shells are particularly great for this dish because they ensure that each spoonful is full of rich sauce and cheese, making every bite satisfying and full of flavor. If you prefer another pasta shape, you can easily substitute the shells with penne or rotini, but shells are truly ideal for a creamy pesto dish.

The Burst of Flavor from Cherry Tomatoes

To add a burst of fresh flavor to the dish, cherry tomatoes are sautéed until they begin to burst, releasing their juices and enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. The slight sweetness from the tomatoes balances out the richness of the creamy pesto, providing a contrast in both texture and flavor. As they cook, the tomatoes become slightly caramelized and contribute to the depth of the sauce. The tomatoes are added right at the end to keep their shape and juiciness intact, adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

The Creamy Sauce: Rich and Velvety

The creamy sauce is what makes this dish so indulgent. The combination of chicken stock, heavy cream, and cheese makes the sauce smooth and velvety, clinging to the pasta shells and creating an irresistible coating of flavor. The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan adds richness, creaminess, and a cheesy bite that takes the dish to the next level. The flour helps thicken the sauce slightly, ensuring it has the perfect consistency to coat the pasta and blend beautifully with the pesto.

A Quick and Easy Meal

Creamy Pesto Shells come together quickly and easily, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal in a hurry. The pesto is made in a food processor and then added to the sauce base, and with just a little simmering, the dish is ready to be served. The entire process takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, and the result is a dish that tastes like it took hours of preparation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress without requiring a lot of time or effort.

Customizing Your Creamy Pesto Shells

While this recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your taste:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some Italian sausage. These options can be tossed in with the pasta just before serving.

• Add More Veggies: If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to toss in some sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also add some greens like spinach or kale to make it even more nutritious.

• Spicy Twist: If you like some heat, you can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili oil to spice up the dish.

• Different Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are perfect for this dish, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or a sharp cheddar for a different flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Pesto Shells can be enjoyed as a main dish or served alongside other complementary dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to complete the meal:

• Salad: Pair it with a fresh green salad with a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta.

• Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to help scoop up any extra creamy pesto sauce.

• Roasted Veggies: For a wholesome meal, serve the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or carrots.

Nutritional Benefits

Creamy Pesto Shells offer a great balance of nutrients. The pesto provides a good dose of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron, while the pasta contributes carbohydrates for energy. The mozzarella cheese adds protein and calcium, while the heavy cream makes the dish rich and satisfying. The addition of cherry tomatoes gives a boost of vitamin C, and the dish as a whole offers a healthy balance of fats, protein, and fiber.

The dish is moderate in calories, providing about 450-500 calories per serving, making it a fulfilling yet not overly heavy meal. While it does contain a bit of fat, most of it comes from healthy sources like olive oil and cheese, which also add flavor and richness.

Conclusion

Creamy Pesto Shells are a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying but easy to make. The creamy pesto sauce, combined with the rich cheese, pasta, and vegetables, creates a dish that is sure to please anyone at the table. Whether you’re making it for yourself or for family and friends, Creamy Pesto Shells will quickly become a go-to recipe for its great taste, easy preparation, and versatility. It’s a perfect balance of rich flavors and healthy ingredients, making it an ideal choice for any occasion!