Name: Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente); 1 green bell pepper (diced); 1 red onion (diced); 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; Freshly chopped parsley (a handful); Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

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Introduction

This creamy pesto sauce pasta is a delightful one-pot meal that combines vibrant vegetables with a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is enveloped in a luscious, herbaceous cream sauce, making it an easy yet impressive dish to prepare any night of the week.

A white cooking pot with blue handles is filled with creamy yellow pasta, coated in a thick sauce mixed with green herbs and black pepper specks. The penne pasta pieces are evenly spread throughout the rich sauce, creating a textured and smooth layer. On top, a golden-brown breaded chicken breast is sliced into seven even pieces, laid in the center of the pot, showing a crispy crust with a tender inside. The pot is set on a white marbled surface, with frosted pine branches and a white pumpkin as decor around it, giving a cozy winter feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized. Take your time to develop deeper flavors.
Step 2: Add the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the water reduces.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour with a little warm water to form a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the slurry to avoid lumps. Then, return the pan to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream.
Step 4: Simmer the mixture for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Step 5: Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce. Toss to combine, then let it simmer together for about 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
Step 7: Serve the creamy pesto pasta hot, topped with grated Parmesan and extra parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with milk or use a cream alternative.
Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms to make the dish more filling.
Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add a bit more flour slurry gradually while cooking.

Storage

Store leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a thin green rim holds a serving of creamy penne pasta, coated in a thick, pale yellow sauce speckled with green herbs and black pepper. The pasta shapes are well-coated and slightly glossy, with small chopped parsley pieces scattered evenly on top. In the background, a deep dish filled with more creamy penne pasta sits out of focus against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other shaped pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before adding to the sauce.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and enhances its creaminess because of the starch it contains. While optional, it greatly improves the final texture of the sauce.