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One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pesto pasta, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, basil pesto, creamy pasta sauce