One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta recipe is your new best friend. It combines the rich, herbaceous taste of fresh pesto with a luscious creamy sauce all cooked in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a hearty, satisfying meal fast. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish delivers big on taste without taking up your whole evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless cooking: Everything comes together in a single pot, saving you time and reducing cleanup.
• Rich and creamy flavor: The blend of pesto and cream creates a smooth, indulgent sauce.
• Quick prep and cook time: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for hectic evenings.
• Customizable: Easily add your favorite veggies, proteins, or change up the pesto for variety.
• Comfort food with a fresh twist: Classic pasta meets vibrant basil and garlic flavors for a tasty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays an important role in balancing taste, texture, and aroma in this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta. The beauty lies in how straightforward these pantry staples are, but how they come together to create a luxurious dish.

• Pasta: Use dry penne, fusilli, or rotini as they hold the sauce beautifully.
• Store-bought or homemade pesto: Brings the vibrant herb and garlic flavor that’s key to this sauce.
• Heavy cream or half and half: Adds the creamy richness without overpowering the pesto’s brightness.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a punchy, aromatic base.
• Chicken or vegetable broth: Used to cook the pasta and thaw the sauce, infusing subtle flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh for that salty, nutty finish in the sauce and as a garnish.
• Olive oil: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and helps roast garlic evenly.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.

Variations for One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to tailor it to your mood, dietary needs, or what’s on hand. Adding your personal touch is easy and inspiring!

• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu for a filling meal.
• Veggie upgrade: Stir in spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers for fresh color and nutrients.
• Nut-free pesto: Use a pesto made with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin to accommodate allergies.
• Dairy-free creaminess: Substitute coconut cream or cashew cream for a vegan, creamy texture.
• Spicy kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients, mince the garlic, and measure out the pesto and cream. This makes the cooking process smooth and keeps you from scrambling mid-cook.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned; this infuses the oil with that warm, savory flavor.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

Pour in your dry pasta followed by the broth. Make sure the liquid just covers the pasta, which ensures even cooking and future sauce absorption.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the broth, turning it silky.

Step 5: Stir in Pesto and Cream

Once the pasta is tender and broth mostly absorbed, gently mix in the pesto and cream. Stir well to combine everything into a rich, green-hued sauce coating every piece of pasta.

Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning

Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste. Give everything a final stir and cook for another 2 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.

Pro Tips for Making One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

• Use quality pesto: Fresh or high-quality jarred pesto makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly al dente pasta maintains texture when combined with cream.
• Constant stirring: Keeps pasta from sticking to the pot and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust liquid amount: Depending on pasta type, you may need slightly more or less broth for perfect texture.
• Add lemon zest: A sprinkle brightens up the rich sauce just before serving.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Garnishes

Top your pasta with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and a few basil leaves or pine nuts for crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted asparagus, or garlic bread to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls with grated cheese on the side, or layer with grilled veggies on top to make it look as good as it tastes for dinner guests or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently for even warming without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta varieties work well with this recipe; just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream and a vegan pesto or make your own without cheese to keep it creamy and plant-based.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for meal prep?

You can prepare the pasta ahead but it’s best to keep the sauce separate until reheating to preserve freshness and texture.

What’s the best pesto to use?

Fresh homemade pesto is ideal for flavor, but good quality store-bought pesto also works well and saves time.

How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add cooked chicken pieces, shrimp, or chickpeas during the creamy sauce step for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who wants a satisfying meal on the table fast without compromising flavor or texture. It’s creamy, packed with fresh basil goodness, and supremely easy to make. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the cozy, comforting vibes of a meal that’s as quick to make as it is delicious to eat.

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