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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

This creamy pesto sauce pasta is an easy and flavorful one-pot dish featuring perfectly sautéed vegetables, rich heavy cream, and aromatic pesto sauce. The penne pasta is cooked al dente and combined with a smooth, herby sauce that’s thickened with a homemade flour slurry. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers a comforting and delicious meal in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red onion, diced
  • Freshly chopped parsley, a handful

Pasta and Sauce

  • 300 g penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 tsp salt, divided
  • 6 tbsp pesto sauce
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 cups heavy cream (35%)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and lightly caramelize. This slow cooking step deepens the flavor significantly.
  2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce: Add the pesto sauce and the reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the liquid reduces.
  3. Create the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with a little warm water to form a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from heat, gradually stir in the slurry carefully to avoid lumps, then return the pan to medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  4. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the flavors and for the sauce to meld perfectly.
  6. Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta and, if desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your meal!

Notes

  • For the best flavor, take your time sautéing the vegetables until they are caramelized.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for superior taste if you choose to top the dish.
  • This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/creamy-pesto-sauce-pasta-best-easy-one-pot-recipe-recipe/