Pesto Alfredo Sauce

There are some ingredients that seem to make any meal delicious--like avocados.  And bacon.  I think basil pesto must also fall into this category.  It is delicious in pasta salad.  It takes a good grilled cheese sandwich and makes it crave-worthy.  And when mixed into this alfredo-type sauce, it makes for a very tasty pasta night.

We had this over cheese tortellini, which was very good (and easy), but I think it would pair wonderfully over fettuccini with grilled chicken or over bowtie pasta with salmon.  I'm sure this would be delicious with homemade pesto, but I bought some prepared pesto in the refrigerated section of my local grocery store and it turned out great.

Pesto Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients:
1/3 cup heavy cream
2/3 cup milk
1/4 cup basil pesto
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Directions:
1. In a small saucepan, stir together the cream, milk, pesto, butter, garlic powder, salt and pepper.  Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.  Let gently simmer about 8 minutes.  Remove from heat.

2. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is all melted.  Add additional garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste.  Either enjoy right away, or allow the sauce to sit for a few minutes to thicken.  Garnish individual servings with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Source: adapted slightly from www.allrecipes.com; inspired by my friend, Lindsay R.