Creamy Pesto Pasta Sauce

This is a simple, but versatile, creamy pasta sauce. A variety of added ingredients will give you something different each time.

It's pictured here with cheese tortellini, diced prosciutto and marinated artichoke hearts. (My favorite!)



CREAMY PESTO PASTA SAUCE

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups skim milk
1/4 cup light cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3 tablespoons prepared pesto
1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. With a wire whisk, stir in flour. Add milk, stir constantly and bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and cook until thickened. Stir in cream cheese, pesto and Parmesan.

Add desired ingredients and cooked pasta and mix with sauce.

Pasta: angel hair, tortellini, gnocchi, linguine, bow ties

Added ingredients:
(3.5 ounce package) diced prosciutto and (6 ounce jar) artichoke hearts
diced prosciutto and chopped spinach
diced pepperoni
artichoke hearts and spinach

Yield: 4 servings

Here it is with angel hair and pepperoni.

What other ingredients would you use?