Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender penne with a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente)
• 2 tsp salt (divided)
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red onion (diced)
• 6 tbsp pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 cups heavy cream (35%)
• 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• Freshly chopped parsley (a handful)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 tsp of salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized. Take your time with this step to deepen the flavors.
2. Step 2: Stir in the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the water mostly evaporates.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little warm water to create a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly stir in the slurry to prevent lumps. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer the sauce for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
4. Step 4: Add garlic powder, dried oregano, chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan. Toss to coat the pasta evenly and simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Serve the creamy pesto pasta hot. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan and garnish with extra parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh basil pesto for a brighter flavor or try sun-dried tomato pesto for a twist.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a plant-based cream.
• Adding sautéed mushrooms or grilled chicken can make this dish heartier.
• Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente; it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, this sauce works well with various pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta is al dente.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream substitute such as coconut cream or cashew cream, and choose a vegan pesto. The sauce may have a slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is an easy, one-pot recipe that combines sautéed vegetables with a rich, velvety pesto cream sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is simmered in a flavorful blend of pesto, heavy cream, and aromatic seasonings to create a comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Pasta

• 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente)
• 2 tsp salt (divided)

Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red onion (diced)

Sauce

• 6 tbsp pesto sauce
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 cups heavy cream (35%)
• 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley (a handful)

Optional Toppings

• Grated Parmesan for topping

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 tsp of salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized to deepen their flavor.
2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce: Add the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the water evaporates.
3. Create the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and a little warm water to make a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the slurry to avoid lumps. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
4. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss in the cooked penne pasta and allow everything to simmer together for about 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce and the flavors meld beautifully.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta, and optionally top with freshly grated Parmesan and garnish with extra parsley for a fresh finish. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain a pleasant texture after simmering in the sauce.
• Use freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant flavor boost.
• Adjust the amount of heavy cream if you prefer a thicker or thinner sauce.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan pesto sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce adhere well to the pasta and enhance creaminess.
• Grated Parmesan is optional but adds a wonderful savory finish.

Keywords: Creamy pesto pasta, one pot pasta, easy pasta recipe, pesto sauce, creamy pasta, Italian pasta dish, penne pasta recipe