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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Easy One-Pot Favorite)

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Easy One-Pot Favorite)
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If you love pesto, this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta will quickly become a go-to recipe. It’s rich, comforting, and full of herby flavor, with a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights while still feeling restaurant-worthy.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 300 g penne pasta, cooked al dente

  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced

  • 1 red onion, diced

  • 6 tablespoons pesto sauce

  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

  • 2 cups heavy cream (35%)

  • 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (a handful)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 teaspoon salt. Sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.

2. Build the Pesto Base

Add the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to slightly reduce.

3. Create the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a little warm water to form a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from heat and slowly stir in the slurry to avoid lumps. Return to medium heat, pour in the heavy cream, and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring often, until thick and creamy.

4. Season the Sauce

Stir in garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with remaining salt if needed.

5. Combine Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss well and simmer for 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the creamy pesto flavors.

6. Serve

Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Extra Creamy: Add a splash of milk or extra pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

  • Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu.

  • Veggie Add-Ins: Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.

  • Lighter Option: Substitute half the cream with whole milk.

  • Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in Parmesan directly into the sauce for extra richness.

  • One-Pot Shortcut: Cook pasta directly in the skillet with extra liquid for fewer dishes.

Find it online: https://chocotune.com/creamy-pesto-sauce-pasta-easy-one-pot-favorite/