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

Get ready to fall in love at first bite with this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe)! Imagine tender penne tangled up in a lusciously rich sauce, layered with the nutty brightness of pesto, silky heavy cream, and colorful vegetables—all in a single pan. Whether you’re hosting friends or just feeding your soul after a busy day, this pasta serves up comfort and elegance with minimal effort. The flavors are bold and fresh, yet every step is incredibly simple, making this dish a returning favorite whenever a craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The winning charm of this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) is how each ingredient, though easy to find, plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious, flavor-packed meal. Treat yourself to the best quality you can find—every component, from the pasta to the sprinkle of Parmesan, makes a difference!

• Penne pasta: Holds the sauce beautifully and has a satisfying bite.
• Salt: Used in layers to bring out all the flavors in the vegetables, sauce, and pasta.
• Green bell pepper: Adds a sweet and slightly grassy crunch for color and balance.
• Red onion: Offers a subtle sharpness and sweetness that deepens after sautéing.
• Pesto sauce: The star! Choose a good-quality jarred pesto or homemade for vibrant basil and nutty richness.
• Reserved pasta water: The secret sauce thickener; it helps everything cling perfectly to the penne.
• Heavy cream (35%): Delivers that dreamy, restaurant-worthy creaminess you crave.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce just enough to coat each noodle luxuriously.
• Garlic powder: Kicks up the savory factor without overpowering the aromatic pesto.
• Dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with classic Italian herbal depth.
• Freshly chopped parsley: Lends a burst of freshness and a pop of green at the finish.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and earthiness to wake up all the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan (optional): Shaves of salty, creamy umami that make the dish extra decadent.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating a large pan over medium heat. Toss in your diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté these veggies for around 10 minutes, stirring now and then. You want them softened and a little caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness and adds irresistible depth to the overall pasta.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

Next up, add the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water right into the pan with the fragrant vegetables. Give it all a good stir and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. The sauce will reduce slightly as the water evaporates, helping those incredible flavors blend together and cling to every bite of pasta later on.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a small bowl or cup, whisk the flour with a splash of warm water to form a smooth, lump-free slurry. Take the pan off the heat and slowly stir in your flour slurry—this ensures a velvety sauce with zero clumps. Then, return the pan to medium heat and gently pour in the luscious heavy cream, letting it all simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Keep stirring often as the sauce thickens into pure silk.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Time to add the flavor boosters! Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, fresh chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir well and give it a taste. This is your moment to adjust with a little more salt or pepper, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked penne pasta straight into the creamy pesto sauce, tossing everything gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the penne to soak up all those rich, herby flavors and ensuring the sauce clings to every groove of the pasta.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the glossy, aromatic pasta into warm bowls and, if you’re feeling extra, add a generous snowfall of freshly grated Parmesan. Finish with more fresh parsley for that final chef’s kiss! Pair with your favorite wine or sparkling water, and enjoy.

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

Garnishes

To really make the flavors pop and add a touch of restaurant-worthy flair, top each plate of Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) with freshly chopped parsley and a flurry of grated Parmesan. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a twist of cracked black pepper also brings crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of the pasta by serving it with a crisp side salad—think arugula with lemon vinaigrette—or warm garlic bread to mop up extra sauce. Roasted vegetables or even a light tomato bruschetta are wonderful, refreshing options that make any meal feel celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the creamy pesto pasta in a big family-style platter for a casual gathering, or twirl individual portions onto plates and top with edible flowers for a romantic date night. Small jars or cups make adorable appetizers at parties, ensuring every guest gets a taste of this crowd-pleasing classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. If possible, store the pasta and sauce separately to avoid the noodles absorbing too much sauce, but it’s delicious either way.

Freezing

While creamy pastas don’t always freeze perfectly due to potential separation, this recipe holds up better than most! Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container, pressing plastic wrap over the surface before sealing. It will keep for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Warm leftover pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently and don’t overheat—gentle, consistent heat helps preserve the creamy magic that makes this dish a favorite.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching all that luscious sauce, you can swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Just be sure to cook your chosen pasta al dente so it doesn’t get soggy when simmered in the sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is already vegetarian as written! For a vegan version, use a plant-based cream and your favorite vegan pesto. Swap the Parmesan for vegan cheese—or simply omit it.

Can I add protein to creamy pesto sauce pasta?

Definitely. Sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy tofu all work beautifully here. Just add your cooked protein at the same time as the pasta so it can mingle in that fragrant sauce.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

Whole milk or half-and-half can work as a lighter substitute, but the result will be a bit less rich. Add an extra tablespoon of flour to help the sauce thicken, and simmer gently to avoid curdling.

How can I make the dish gluten-free?

Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The rest of the recipe stays delightfully the same!

Final Thoughts

If a bowl of comfort is calling your name, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe). It’s fast, it’s festive, and it’s full of craveable flavor—so treat yourself and let this recipe become the star of your weeknight dinner lineup. You’ll thank yourself (and so will everyone at your table)!

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

---

★★★★★

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of this easy one-pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta. With a rich and savory sauce complemented by tender pasta, this dish is a perfect balance of comfort and taste.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Penne Pasta:

• 300g cooked al dente

Vegetables:

• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced

Pesto Sauce:

• 6 tbsp

Reserved Pasta Water:

• 1/2 cup

Heavy Cream:

• 2 cups (35%)

All-Purpose Flour:

• 1 1/2 tbsp

Garlic Powder:

• 1 tbsp

Dried Oregano:

• 1 tbsp

Parsley:

• Freshly chopped, a handful

Black Pepper:

• 1 tsp

Grated Parmesan:

• For topping (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables – Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce – Add pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to sautéed vegetables. Simmer for about 5 minutes.
3. Create the Creamy Base – Whisk flour with water, add to pan. Pour in heavy cream, simmer until thick.
4. Season the Sauce – Add garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce – Toss in cooked penne pasta, simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Serve – Plate pasta, top with Parmesan and parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Creamy Pesto Pasta, One-Pot Recipe, Homemade Pasta Sauce