Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
A delicious and easy one-pot creamy pesto sauce pasta, perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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.
Notes
Best served hot as a main course or side dish. Can also pair with a green salad and crusty bread. If you have leftovers, store in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat with a bit of cream or water to loosen the sauce.