Welcome to our kitchen! Today, we’re diving into a delightful recipe that combines the rich flavors of paprika and creamy Frischkäse (cream cheese) to create a mouth-watering pasta dish. This Pasta in Paprika Frischkäse Pesto is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for any occasion. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Pasta: 300g (any shape you prefer, such as fusilli, penne, or spaghetti)
- Frischkäse (Cream Cheese): 200g
- Roasted Red Peppers: 150g (jarred or homemade)
- Smoked Paprika: 2 teaspoons
- Garlic Cloves: 2 (minced)
- Fresh Basil Leaves: 1 cup (packed)
- Pine Nuts: 50g (toasted for extra flavor)
- Olive Oil: 4 tablespoons
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Parmesan Cheese: for serving (optional)
Grocery List
Here’s a handy grocery list for your shopping trip:
- Pasta (300g)
- Frischkäse (200g)
- Roasted red peppers (150g)
- Smoked paprika (small jar)
- Garlic (1 bulb)
- Fresh basil (1 bunch)
- Pine nuts (50g)
- Olive oil (small bottle)
- Lemon (1)
- Parmesan cheese (small block or pre-grated)
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare your Pasta in Paprika Frischkäse Pesto:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Pesto:
- In a food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, and toasted pine nuts.
- Pulse until finely chopped.
- Add the Frischkäse and olive oil, then blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the paprika Frischkäse pesto.
- Toss well to ensure all the pasta is coated. If needed, add more reserved pasta water for creaminess.
- Serve:
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Garnish with extra basil or pine nuts for presentation.
Cooking Time
Total cooking time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Nutritional Information
The estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings) is as follows:
- Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
Tips and Notes
- Make it Vegan: Substitute Frischkäse with a vegan cream cheese alternative and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in some sautéed spinach or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Storage: Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later use.
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Now that you have everything you need to create this delightful Pasta in Paprika Frischkäse Pesto dish, gather your ingredients and get cooking! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
