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One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
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This One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick, comforting meal that combines fresh pesto with a luscious creamy sauce all cooked in a single pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers rich, vibrant flavors with minimal cleanup and customizable options to suit any diet or preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce Base

  • 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Flavor Enhancers

  • 3 tablespoons store-bought or homemade pesto
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  2. Add Liquid and Pasta: Pour in 3 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the pot. Add 8 ounces of uncooked short pasta and stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  4. Stir in Pesto and Parmesan: Lower the heat and add 3 tablespoons of pesto and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and everything is well combined.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts.

Notes

  • Use a wide pot to allow even cooking and easier stirring.
  • High-quality pesto enhances the flavor significantly.
  • Check pasta early to avoid overcooking; aim for al dente texture.
  • Fresh garlic and Parmesan provide brighter, more authentic taste.
  • If the sauce is too thick before serving, add a splash of milk or broth to adjust creaminess.

Nutrition

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

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