Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick, comforting meal that combines perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, velvety pesto cream sauce made in a single pot. This easy recipe delivers fresh basil flavors with creamy indulgence, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare your base: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet. Add finely chopped garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build a savory foundation for your sauce.
  2. Add liquid and pasta: Pour in vegetable or chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a gentle simmer. Add your pasta straight into the pot, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
  3. Cook pasta until tender: Let the pasta cook uncovered over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step should take about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has reduced.
  4. Stir in pesto and cheese: Remove the pot from heat and mix in a generous amount of basil pesto and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is combined into a creamy, glossy sauce.
  5. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish as desired with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts, then serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto if possible for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust broth and cream amounts depending on pasta shape to avoid dryness or excess sauce.
  • Stir often during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and to help the sauce thicken.
  • Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente as it will continue to absorb sauce after cooking.
  • Add Parmesan cheese only after removing from heat to prevent clumping or graininess.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One Pot Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pesto pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, pesto sauce pasta, weeknight dinner, vegetarian pasta

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://paradisedishes.com/one-pot-creamy-pesto-sauce-pasta/