One-Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta: Effortless Weeknight Dinner
Make this rich, velvety creamy pesto pasta in one pot for a flavorful, comforting meal ready in minutes. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound pasta (penne or farfalle recommended)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the pasta and water or broth into a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the pasta is nearly tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Most of the liquid should be absorbed or evaporated.
- Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder.
- Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly, about 2 minutes. Do not let the sauce boil once the cream is added.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Serve this easy pesto pasta immediately for a satisfying dinner.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pesto sauce.
- If you want pesto chicken pasta creamy, add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken during the final step.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 17
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 65
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 22
- Cholesterol: 65
Find it online: https://kingscook.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-20-minute/