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One-Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta for Effortless Weeknight Dinner

A close-up shot of penne pasta coated generously in vibrant green creamy pesto pasta sauce, served in a white bowl.
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Make this rich, velvety creamy pesto pasta in one pot for a quick and comforting weeknight meal. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 4 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Place the penne pasta, water or broth, olive oil, and minced garlic into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir a few times during this period.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if using.
  5. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly, creating a creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  7. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • To make this a Pesto Chicken Pasta, cook 1 pound of diced chicken breast in the olive oil before adding the pasta and liquid in Step 1.
  • If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Use high-quality basil pesto for the best flavor in this simple pasta dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/creamy-pesto-pasta-easy-one-pot-dinner/