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One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
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One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick and comforting meal that combines vibrant basil pesto with rich, velvety creaminess—all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers harmonious flavors and a satisfying texture that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 8 ounces dry pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauces and Liquids

  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto (fresh preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Dairy

  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Other

  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients before cooking. Mince the garlic and measure out the broth, cream, and pesto so everything is ready to go.
  2. Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about one minute, taking care to avoid browning.
  3. Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the broth and heavy cream, then add the dry pasta directly to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed, usually about 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Stir in Pesto and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the basil pesto and grated parmesan cheese until creamy and well combined.
  6. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra parmesan, pine nuts, or fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Use fresh pesto for the best flavor; store-bought pesto works in a pinch.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness since it will soften further in the sauce.
  • Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Select quality ingredients like fresh basil, good olive oil, and aged parmesan for optimal taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: one pot pasta, creamy pesto pasta, easy pesto pasta, weeknight dinner, creamy pasta sauce, basil pesto recipe

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/one-pot-creamy-pesto-sauce-pasta/