One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
A comforting, fresh, and hassle-free one-pot pasta dish combining vibrant basil pesto with a luscious creamy sauce. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this recipe balances fresh herbs, cheese, and cream into a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious and easy dinner.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Base Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. This step builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Add Pasta and Liquid: Add the dry pasta along with chicken or vegetable broth into the pot. Stir to combine and bring it to a gentle boil. The broth will cook the pasta while infusing it with flavor.
- Simmer Until Pasta is Tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the pasta simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until it becomes al dente and the broth is mostly absorbed, usually around 10–12 minutes.
- Stir in Cream and Pesto: Once the pasta is almost cooked, lower heat and mix in the cream and basil pesto. Stir continuously to blend the sauce smoothly with the pasta for that creamy texture.
- Add Cheese and Season: Turn off the heat and add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and combines well. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Plate and Garnish: Serve the One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta hot, optionally topped with fresh basil leaves or extra Parmesan. It’s ready to enjoy in moments!
Notes
- Use high-quality fresh or store-bought pesto with bold basil flavor for best results.
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness since it cooks in broth.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cream and broth amounts to reach your preferred sauce thickness.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil at the end for extra color and freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pesto pasta, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, basil pesto, creamy pasta sauce