Pasta with Cilantro Pesto Sauce


pasta-cilantro-pesto
Weeknight pasta dinners can get a tad boring if you use the same sauce recipes. So to stir things up a little, I decided to experiment with some flavors, which brought up the idea of using cilantro as a base for my pesto-cream sauce instead of basil. Garlic and Cilantro make a great flavor combination, and though I was a little hesitant in how they would blend with the creamy white sauce, I am happy I tried this unique combination, because it sure turned out great! Touched with a hint of oregano, basil flakes, mixed italian herbs and parmesan cheese, this Pasta with creamy Cilantro Pesto Sauce is indeed a must try!

Ingredients
1 regular-sized package pasta noodles
2 tbsp onions - sliced finely (optional)
2 tbsp bell peppers - sliced finely (optional)
2 tbsp olive oil

Cilantro Cream Sauce
1/4 cup packed cilantro - chopped
1/2 green chilli - chopped
2 garlic cloves - minced
2 tbsp butter
4 tbsp parmesan cheese
2 tsp basil flakes (or fresh basil recommended)
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 cup whipping cream (or heavy milk)
2 tbsp refined flour (maida)
salt & pepper - to taste
1 tsp olive oil

Method
Boil the pasta as directed on the package. Once cooked, drain the water in a colander, set the pasta under cold running water, then add 1 tbsp oil to them to prevent them from sticking to each other.

Making the Sauce
Take the chopped cilantro, green chillies, garlic cloves and salt/pepper and blend them to make a smooth paste(pesto). Add 1 tsp oil to make it smooth, but do NOT add water.

In a deep pan, melt the butter, then add the refined flour to this and roast for 30-40 sec on a low flame. As soon as the flour starts clumping, add the cream or milk, and stir well to form a smooth paste. Cook on low-to-medium flame; add the parmesan cheese, basil and oregano flakes, and keep stirring continuously till the sauce becomes thick and creamy.

Slowly add the cilantro pesto paste to the sauce mixture. Lower the flame, then stir the sauce till everything becomes mixed and smooth. You can add 2 tbsp more milk if you want a thinner consistency. Check for taste and add more seasoning if needed. Let it boil for 2 more mins, then switch off the flame and set it aside.

Take a wok, add 1 tbsp olive oil, and lightly saute the sliced onions and bell-peppers till they become slightly soft. Now add the boiled noodles to this and mix.

Before serving, add a spoonful of the creamy cilantro sauce over the noodles. Garnish with some freshly chopped basil or herbs if you like, and enjoy with a serving of my classic homemade Caprese-style Garlic Bread!

Related Recipes
Spinach Pasta with Roasted Garlic & Sun-dried Tomato Sauce
Cheese Ravioli with Tomato-Basil & Cream Sauce
Fettucini with Almond Pesto


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24 comments :

Amy said...

Mmmm I love coriander! I can't wait to give this a try!

amna said...

long time! how have you been? :)

Unknown said...

Loks rich and creamy!

Manju said...

well finally a post after a long time..missed you..

nice twist of adding cilantro to the pesto sauce..mustve been yummy!! :)

Snooky doodle said...

interesting substitution! Lookd good. I love pesto but never tried it like this. yummy have to try it now ;))

Finla said...

I love pasa like this, adding the cream makes it delicious.

Anonymous said...

I am happy to learn about variations in your regular pasta - the credit goes to the cilantro of course...thanks for the tip.

FH said...

I made that "south of the Border" pasta as well, tastes fabulous. Good one Mansi, enjoy! :))

Usha said...

Sounds delightful,loved the idea of cilantro in a pesto sauce !

A_and_N said...

I know what you mean by boring pasta nights. I should try this. Both of us love Cilantro and this seems perfect!

Poornima Nair said...

That looks heavenly...I love using Cilantro instead of Basil...

Priya Suresh said...

Wowow lovely dish, looks really rich n ceamy!!

Aparna Balasubramanian said...

I really liked this cream sauce with the cilantro touch. Makes a change from the tomato based one.
I thought I had been away from blogging but looks like you were away too. Good to see you back.

Mansi said...

hey guys! thanks for checking in on me! let' just say more important things than blogging are happening in our lives just now, so had been slow in posting:)

but I've been good...and have missed visiting all of you too! will try to be more regular in posting now, but no promises:)

I'm glad so many of you liked this Cilantro pasta version...I def like it better than the basil one:)

The Short (dis)Order Cook said...

Hey Mansi. Hope everything that's keeping you busy is positive stuff!

Nice recipe. I once made a "Thai" pesto that had cilantro, lime, and peanuts, but it didn't have the luxuriuos creamy element to it. I could see this sauce on more than just pasta too.

Vanamala Hebbar said...

Looks so delicious...

AnuSriram said...

Looks lovely! Nice recipe blended with beautiful flavours!

Mansi said...

thanks guys! for all your wonderful comments, and for checking in on me! I'm really sorry I haven't been very punctual in blog-hopping, but I will, soon!:) life's going to be a bit busy, but its all good...

till then, enjoy the recipes I'll keep sharing with you all!:)

Vrinda said...

First time here Mansi,amazing blog...Excellent photography too...,liked all ur desserts ,will keep visiting...

Anonymous said...

sounds delicious cilantro in a pesto sauce...will have to try sometime I am visiting ur blog first time... great blog.

Anonymous said...

Pasta Pasta Pasta!

shaikh said...

i love pastas. but i wud like to know how many types of pestos or sauces being used i pastas. can u pls give us some details. thanks.

Pooh said...

Nice! *nodding*

Miri said...

Made this yesterday with a few changes and it was simply awesome!