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

• Penne Pasta: Choose a good-quality pasta for the best texture — look for one that cooks evenly and holds sauce well.
• Salt: Divided salt helps season the veggies while enhancing the pasta’s flavor, don’t skip salting your water when boiling!
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a mild crunch; dice finely for even sautéing.
• Red Onion: Its natural sweetness deepens as it caramelizes during sautéing.
• Pesto Sauce: A vibrant blend of basil, garlic, and nuts — use your favorite brand or homemade for freshness.
• Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is pure magic for binding the sauce and pasta together.
• Heavy Cream: Richness and body come from here — opt for at least 35% fat for a creamy finish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce without lumps when mixed into a slurry first.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mellow garlic aroma that blends seamlessly with pesto.
• Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note that balances the richness.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, green pop of color and flavor.
• Black Pepper: For a touch of spice and depth.
• Grated Parmesan (Optional): For that savory finish and a little extra indulgence on top.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love making this creamy pesto sauce pasta my own depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. You can easily tweak it to be lighter, heartier, or veggie-packed. Experimenting with these little changes keeps the recipe exciting every time I make it.

• Add Protein: My family goes crazy for adding shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp for a filling, protein-packed twist.
• Greens Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or baby kale just before finishing for extra color and nutrients.
• Cheese Swap: Sometimes I grate Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper tang that compliments the pesto.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese — the consistency changes slightly but the flavor is still delicious.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables slowly to build deep flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add your diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Patience here is key — sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and begin to caramelize. I learned the hard way that rushing this step leaves you with bland veggies, but taking your time makes all the difference in flavor depth.

Step 2: Combine pesto with reserved pasta water for the base sauce

Once your veggies look beautifully softened, stir in the fresh pesto sauce and that starchy reserved pasta water. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, which helps the sauce thicken slightly and meld flavors together. This step is essential because the pasta water acts as a natural emulsifier that gives the sauce that silky, clingy texture.

Step 3: Create the creamy base with a flour slurry and heavy cream

In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour with a little warm water to make a smooth slurry — no lumps! Remove your pan from heat temporarily and slowly add this slurry, stirring to avoid clumps. Then pour in the heavy cream and return the pan to medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes while stirring often until the sauce thickens to a lovely creamy consistency. This is one of my favorite moments — watching the sauce pull together into a rich, glossy coating is just so satisfying.

Step 4: Season and finish the sauce

Now it’s time to flavor the sauce further with garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir everything well, then taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. These simple seasonings layer in a subtle warmth and herbal brightness that perfectly complements the pesto’s boldness.

Step 5: Toss in cooked penne and let flavors meld

Finally, add your cooked al dente penne pasta directly into the skillet. Give it a good toss ensuring every piece is smothered in creamy pesto sauce, then let it simmer together for about 5 minutes. This step lets the pasta soak up the flavors so each bite is packed with creamy, herby goodness. Don’t skip this — it’s what makes the dish truly cohesive and indulgent.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this creamy pesto pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano — it adds that perfect salty bite on top. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch and color. These simple finishes make it feel a little more special and add nice texture contrast.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread. A light roasted vegetable like asparagus or cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil also pairs beautifully. These sides keep things balanced and fresh alongside the rich pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or date nights, I’ve plated this pasta in wide shallow bowls with delicate edible flowers and microgreens on top for a pop of color and elegance. Serving it family-style in a big rustic skillet right from the stove also creates a warm, communal vibe that your guests will love. Don’t be afraid to get creative — the presentation adds to the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce can thicken and firm up a bit, so I recommend adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing creamy pasta can be a bit tricky, but if you must, freeze it without cheese garnishes and reheat gently with extra cream or water to revive the texture. For best results, consume frozen leftovers within a month.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen up the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking, and you’ll find it almost as delicious as fresh. Microwaving works too but be sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe has truly earned a special place in my heart — every time I make it, it feels like a little celebration of comfort food done right. It’s simple, flavorful, and so adaptable, which means you can always customize it to your taste or occasion. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing this creamy, herby pasta as much as I do. So go on, give it a try today — your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!

Oh, I just have to tell you about this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe that has become a total game-changer in my kitchen. What makes it truly special is how effortlessly it comes together in just one pot — less mess, more flavor. I love this recipe because it’s rich and comforting, yet fresh thanks to the pesto and that subtle hit of garlic and oregano. It’s perfect for nights when you want something quick but still feel like you’re indulging in a restaurant-worthy pasta.

When I first tried this creamy pesto pasta, it was such a pleasant surprise to discover how simple it is without sacrificing any of the flavors. You’ll find that the secret is in the little tricks, like sautéing the veggies slowly and using pasta water to bring everything together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or even just yourself after a long day, this recipe hits all the right notes — creamy, herbaceous, and downright satisfying. I promise you’ll want to keep this one in your weekly dinner rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun — and this recipe really shines with fresh vegetables and quality pesto. Using cooked penne ensures you get that perfect al dente bite, while the heavy cream and flour help create that silky, luscious sauce you’ll adore. Here are a few tips on each ingredient to set you up for success:

• Penne Pasta: Choose a good-quality pasta for the best texture — look for one that cooks evenly and holds sauce well.
• Salt: Divided salt helps season the veggies while enhancing the pasta’s flavor, don’t skip salting your water when boiling!
• Green Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and a mild crunch; dice finely for even sautéing.
• Red Onion: Its natural sweetness deepens as it caramelizes during sautéing.
• Pesto Sauce: A vibrant blend of basil, garlic, and nuts — use your favorite brand or homemade for freshness.
• Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy water is pure magic for binding the sauce and pasta together.
• Heavy Cream: Richness and body come from here — opt for at least 35% fat for a creamy finish.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce without lumps when mixed into a slurry first.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a mellow garlic aroma that blends seamlessly with pesto.
• Dried Oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note that balances the richness.
• Freshly Chopped Parsley: Brightens the dish with a fresh, green pop of color and flavor.
• Black Pepper: For a touch of spice and depth.
• Grated Parmesan (Optional): For that savory finish and a little extra indulgence on top.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

I love making this creamy pesto sauce pasta my own depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. You can easily tweak it to be lighter, heartier, or veggie-packed. Experimenting with these little changes keeps the recipe exciting every time I make it.

• Add Protein: My family goes crazy for adding shredded chicken or sautéed shrimp for a filling, protein-packed twist.
• Greens Boost: Toss in fresh spinach or baby kale just before finishing for extra color and nutrients.
• Cheese Swap: Sometimes I grate Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper tang that compliments the pesto.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and cheese — the consistency changes slightly but the flavor is still delicious.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the vegetables slowly to build deep flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and add your diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Patience here is key — sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and begin to caramelize. I learned the hard way that rushing this step leaves you with bland veggies, but taking your time makes all the difference in flavor depth.

Step 2: Combine pesto with reserved pasta water for the base sauce

Once your veggies look beautifully softened, stir in the fresh pesto sauce and that starchy reserved pasta water. Let it gently simmer for about 5 minutes, which helps the sauce thicken slightly and meld flavors together. This step is essential because the pasta water acts as a natural emulsifier that gives the sauce that silky, clingy texture.

Step 3: Create the creamy base with a flour slurry and heavy cream

In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour with a little warm water to make a smooth slurry — no lumps! Remove your pan from heat temporarily and slowly add this slurry, stirring to avoid clumps. Then pour in the heavy cream and return the pan to medium heat. Let it simmer gently for 5–10 minutes while stirring often until the sauce thickens to a lovely creamy consistency. This is one of my favorite moments — watching the sauce pull together into a rich, glossy coating is just so satisfying.

Step 4: Season and finish the sauce

Now it’s time to flavor the sauce further with garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir everything well, then taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. These simple seasonings layer in a subtle warmth and herbal brightness that perfectly complements the pesto’s boldness.

Step 5: Toss in cooked penne and let flavors meld

Finally, add your cooked al dente penne pasta directly into the skillet. Give it a good toss ensuring every piece is smothered in creamy pesto sauce, then let it simmer together for about 5 minutes. This step lets the pasta soak up the flavors so each bite is packed with creamy, herby goodness. Don’t skip this — it’s what makes the dish truly cohesive and indulgent.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this creamy pesto pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano — it adds that perfect salty bite on top. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley or a few toasted pine nuts for crunch and color. These simple finishes make it feel a little more special and add nice texture contrast.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often serve this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic bread. A light roasted vegetable like asparagus or cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil also pairs beautifully. These sides keep things balanced and fresh alongside the rich pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or date nights, I’ve plated this pasta in wide shallow bowls with delicate edible flowers and microgreens on top for a pop of color and elegance. Serving it family-style in a big rustic skillet right from the stove also creates a warm, communal vibe that your guests will love. Don’t be afraid to get creative — the presentation adds to the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce can thicken and firm up a bit, so I recommend adding a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

I’ve found that freezing creamy pasta can be a bit tricky, but if you must, freeze it without cheese garnishes and reheat gently with extra cream or water to revive the texture. For best results, consume frozen leftovers within a month.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen up the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking, and you’ll find it almost as delicious as fresh. Microwaving works too but be sure to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe has truly earned a special place in my heart — every time I make it, it feels like a little celebration of comfort food done right. It’s simple, flavorful, and so adaptable, which means you can always customize it to your taste or occasion. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making and sharing this creamy, herby pasta as much as I do. So go on, give it a try today — your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!