Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is an easy and delicious dish that can be made in just one pot. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This simple recipe brings together the rich flavors of pesto with creamy goodness, making it a treat for everyone at the table. Plus, since it’s all made in one pot, clean-up is a breeze!
how to make Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
Ingredients :
- 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente)
- 2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red onion (diced)
- 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
- Freshly chopped parsley (a handful)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Directions :
- Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating a pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté the diced green bell pepper and red onion until they are soft. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce: Stir in the pesto sauce with the sautéed vegetables, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- Create the Creamy Base: In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir well to create a creamy sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add the remaining salt to taste and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the pot, mixing it well with the creamy pesto sauce. Cook for another couple of minutes to heat everything through.
- Serve: Once combined, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
how to serve Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
This dish is best served hot. You can enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top will enhance the flavor even more. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of added cream or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness when it mixes with the sauce.
- Use Store-bought Pesto: For convenience, use store-bought pesto or make your own if you prefer fresh flavors.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a creamier dish, feel free to add more heavy cream or some cream cheese.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or other vegetables like spinach or zucchini. For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as fusilli, spaghetti, or farfalle.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring that your pesto sauce is also gluten-free.
3. How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy, but if you like it hot, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a kick.
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente)
- 2 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 red onion (diced)
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tbsp pesto sauce
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cups heavy cream (35%)
- 1 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 handful freshly chopped parsley for garnish
- to taste grated Parmesan for topping optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by heating a pot over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then sauté the diced green bell pepper and red onion until they are soft, about 5 minutes.
Creating the Sauce
- Stir in the pesto sauce with the sautéed vegetables, mixing well to combine the flavors.
- In a bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, reserved pasta water, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, dried oregano, and black pepper. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir well to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the remaining salt to taste and let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combining and Serving
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the pot, mixing it well with the creamy pesto sauce. Cook for another couple of minutes to heat everything through.
- Once combined, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.
