If pasta night ever needs a bold, delicious upgrade, this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) is about to become your new all-time favorite. Imagine tender penne coated in a luxuriously silky pesto sauce, mingled with sautéed veggies and a hint of herby brightness—it’s comfort food with a punch of color and flavor. With its easy, one-pot method and crowd-pleasing fresh taste, this is the kind of dish you’ll look forward to from the first bite to the last twirl of your fork.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) is likely already in your pantry or fridge! Each ingredient plays a special role, from the rich creaminess to the fresh crunch of veggies, creating a harmonious bowl that’s far more than the sum of its parts.

Penne pasta (300 g, cooked al dente): This short, ridged pasta shape holds the creamy pesto sauce beautifully in every bite.
Salt (2 tsp, divided): Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the veggies, drawing out maximum flavor.
Green bell pepper (1, diced): Adds sweet crunch and a pop of color that pairs perfectly with the pesto’s fresh notes.
Red onion (1, diced): Brings a slight sweetness and depth once sautéed, rounding out the savory notes of the dish.
Pesto sauce (6 tbsp): The star of the show, pesto infuses every strand of pasta with herby, garlicky goodness.
Reserved pasta water (1/2 cup): A clever trick for loosening and enriching the sauce without thinning out the creamy texture.
Heavy cream (2 cups, 35%): For supreme silkiness and a velvety body to the sauce—don’t skimp on this!
All-purpose flour (1 1/2 tbsp): Whisked into a slurry, it thickens the sauce and makes it luscious without heaviness.
Garlic powder (1 tbsp): Delivers subtle warmth and enhances all the other savory elements in the sauce.
Dried oregano (1 tbsp): Lends a lovely Mediterranean aroma that ties everything together.
Freshly chopped parsley (a handful): A finishing touch that adds color and fresh herbal vibrancy.
Black pepper (1 tsp): For a gentle kick of heat and depth.
Grated Parmesan for topping (optional): If you love those nutty, salty hits, a generous shower of Parmesan takes things over the top.

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

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large pan over medium heat, then toss in the diced green bell pepper and red onion with one teaspoon of salt. Give them a good stir and let them cook for about 10 minutes. You’re looking for softened, lightly caramelized veggies—this patience pays off with big flavor, so don’t cut this step short!

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

Turn this flavor base into the beginnings of a swoon-worthy sauce by adding the pesto sauce and your reserved pasta water. Stir everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the water to reduce while the veggies soak up all that glorious green pesto flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a small bowl, whisk the flour with a splash of warm water to make a smooth slurry—this helps thicken the final sauce without any lumps. Remove the pan from heat, gradually stir in the slurry (doing this off the heat prevents scrambling!), then return the pan to medium and pour in the heavy cream. Let it gently simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until your sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly thickened.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Time to elevate those classic flavors! Stir in the garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Give the sauce a taste, and adjust with more salt and pepper if you think it needs it. These little tweaks turn a good sauce into an outstanding one.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, bring everything together by tossing your cooked penne pasta into the pan. Let it all simmer together for 5 minutes so every piece of pasta can soak up that creamy pesto goodness. The result is a bowl of Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) that feels like a little celebration with every bite!

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

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top gives your pasta a flurry of color and brightness. Add a shower of grated Parmesan for a salty, umami-rich finish, or even some toasted pine nuts for extra crunch if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

Keep things classic with a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve slices of warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce. For a vibrant spread, a few roasted veggies or marinated olives on the side complement the Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pasta in big family-style bowls for a cozy weeknight meal, or portion it out in individual pasta plates and top each with a swirl of extra pesto and a sprig of parsley. For entertaining, try loading the creamy pasta into mini ramekins for an elegant dinner-party starter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store your Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or stress-free weeknight dinners.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in well-sealed containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and give it a good stir to bring that silky texture back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or a bit of water to loosen the sauce, then gently warm your pasta on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often, and keep the temperature gentle to prevent the sauce from splitting. Microwave works too; just use low power and stir every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne hugs the creamy sauce wonderfully, you can swap in rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti and still have excellent results with this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe).

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

No fresh parsley? No problem! A sprinkle of dried parsley will work, or simply skip it if you prefer—a little extra pesto or basil as garnish will give you the same vibrant lift.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to maintain that luscious, thick sauce.

How can I add protein to this pasta?

Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a heartier meal. Just toss your cooked protein in with the pasta so it can soak up the creamy pesto sauce too.

Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute light cream, but the sauce may be a bit less rich and thick. If you want to keep that dreamy texture, add a touch more flour to help thicken everything up.

Final Thoughts

Give this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) a try, and don’t be surprised if it instantly joins your weekly dinner roster. There’s something magical about watching simple ingredients come together in such a flavorful, feel-good way—here’s to many more twirls of creamy, dreamy pasta on your fork!

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

★★★★★

4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a delicious one-pot pasta recipe that combines the flavors of pesto, cream, and aromatic herbs for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables – Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened and caramelized.
Prepare the Pesto Sauce – Add pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Create the Creamy Base – Whisk flour with warm water, then stir into the pan. Add heavy cream and simmer until thickened.
Season the Sauce – Add garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning.
Combine Pasta and Sauce – Toss in cooked penne pasta, simmer for 5 minutes. Serve hot.

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: Italian