Recipes

Pesto Panna Cotta with Berry Basil Sauce

Guest blog and recipe by Annie Siegfried @annie_siegfried.

This holiday season, bring a touch of sophistication to your table with this Pesto Panna Cotta, a creamy, delicate dessert elevated with a feel-good twist. Infused with the vibrant flavors of basil and topped with a berry basil sauce, this panna cotta is not only delicious but also packed with ingredients to support your health goals. The addition of Just Thrive PREbiotic turns this dessert into a gut-friendly indulgence, giving you digestive support with every delightful bite.

A Healthy Twist on Classic Italian Dessert

Panna Cotta, which translates to "cooked cream" in Italian, is traditionally made with cream, milk, and a touch of sugar. While this dessert usually leans toward being rich and decadent, we’ve lightened it up by using pure maple syrup instead of refined sugar, offering a sweetness that pairs beautifully with the earthy basil and bright berry notes.

In addition to its more wholesome ingredients, this Panna Cotta is boosted with Just Thrive PREbiotic. Unlike many prebiotics that simply feed all gut bacteria (good and bad), this precision blend is designed to selectively nourish only the beneficial bacteria. With each spoonful, you're treating yourself to a dessert that not only tastes great but supports your digestive health.

Recipe Highlights: The Ingredients That Make a Difference

Panna Cotta Base

  • Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: This creamy duo provides the signature smoothness of panna cotta without any need for excess sugar or fillers.
  • Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener, maple syrup is lower on the glycemic index compared to refined sugars and adds a subtle, earthy sweetness that complements the basil and berries.
  • Basil Pesto: The pesto provides a unique twist, lending an herbal flavor that’s both refreshing and sophisticated. Basil is also rich in antioxidants and has natural anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Just Thrive PREbiotic: This prebiotic blend is a powerhouse addition, designed to fuel healthy gut bacteria and support optimal digestive health—making this dessert not only delicious but functional.

Berry Basil Sauce

  • Frozen Mixed Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which support immune health and add vibrancy.
  • Maple Syrup & Lemon Juice: Together, these ingredients create a balanced sweetness with a touch of tartness, enhancing the flavors of the fresh berries.
  • Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds an unexpected layer of freshness, making each bite feel vibrant and festive. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pesto Panna Cotta with Berry Basil Sauce is more than a dessert—it’s a mindful indulgence. Each ingredient is chosen not only for flavor but for its health benefits, ensuring you’re treating yourself in more ways than one. With Just Thrive PREbiotic, this panna cotta supports your gut health, so you can enjoy a dessert that aligns with your wellness goals.

This holiday, wow your guests with a dessert that combines elegance, health, and festive flavor. Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, this Pesto Panna Cotta is sure to become a new holiday favorite. Enjoy each feel-good, flavorful bite!

Pesto Panna Cotta with Berry Basil Sauce

Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 75 minutes
Course: dessert
Diet: gluten free, low-carb, high-protein
Servings: 8

Ingredients:

Panna Cotta:

Basil Berry Sauce:

  • 2 cups frozen mixed berries
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil

Directions:

For the Pesto Panna Cotta:

  1. In a mixing bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 1/3 cup milk. Whisk and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Bring remaining 1 cup milk along with the cream and maple syrup just to a boil in a medium saucepan, stirring periodically.
  3. Whisk the gelatin/milk mixture into the hot milk until dissolved.
  4. Remove from heat, and whisk in the pesto and the prebiotic.
  5. Divide the mixture evenly between the 8 ramekins, and let sit for 10 minutes to cool.
  6. Chill until set, at least 4 hours
For the Berry Basil Sauce:
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together the berries, pinch of salt, maple syrup, and lemon juice.
  2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the berries start to break down.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
  4. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the berries, and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens.
  5. Once cool, stir in the chopped basil.

To Serve:

  1. Run a knife around the outer edge of each ramekin, and turn over onto a serving plate.
  2. Serve with berry sauce, pine nuts, and fresh basil.

 

Support Your Gut Health with Every Delicious Bite

Just Thrive PREbiotic easily mixes into your beverages (hot or cold) or other no-bake recipes, so it’s easy to give your digestive and immune system some daily TLC—no pills required!

Not a fan of flavored supplements? No problem! Just Thrive PREbiotic also comes in capsule form so you can take it as is, or, open the capsule and add it to your coffee, tea, smoothies, juice, and all your favorite no-bake recipes.

Remember, prebiotics are the food of choice for your good gut bacteria…so you can feel good knowing you are fueling them as they keep your gut balanced and healthy.

PLUS, studies show that Just Thrive PREbiotic can more than DOUBLE your good gut bacteria population when combined with Just Thrive Probiotic (bundle & save)!

>> Try Just Thrive PREbiotic today, and save 30% on your first month's subscription with code SUB30.

Just Thrive PREbiotic CTA banner image with SUB30 discount

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