Creamy Pesto Pasta Italiana

Total Time: 35 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 4
• 12 ounces whole wheat rigatoni
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (do not substitute)
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup dry wine
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, snipped
• 1/3 cup water or 1/3 cup vegetable broth
• salt and black pepper, freshly ground

Recipe

• 1 cook pasta according to package directions; drain well and keep warm.
• 2 meanwhile, in a medium skillet cook basil and garlic in hot oil about 1 minute.
• 3 reduce heat and add cream cheese, cottage cheese, and parmesan cheese; stir until smooth.
• 4 stir in wine, parsley, and water (or vegetable broth, if using).
• 5 cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
• 6 add pasta and mix until well coated.
• 7 serve each dish garnished with fresh basil and additional freshly grated pamesan cheese if desired.