One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is ready in under 20 minutes
Say Hello to Weeknight Dinner Bliss! 🍝
I don’t know about you, but I’m *always* looking for ways to simplify dinner. Life gets busy, doesn’t it? This One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a total game-changer. It’s quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious! ✨
Seriously, fewer dishes mean more time for what truly matters. Like enjoying a glass of wine with friends or curling up with a good book. This recipe delivers on flavor without the fuss. You’ll love it!
5 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe 🥰
- One Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pot!
- Creamy Dreamy: The sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfectly creamy.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Pesto Perfection: Showcases the vibrant flavors of pesto.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds of this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta.
Let’s Talk Ingredients 🌿
Pasta 🍝
I prefer using penne or rotini for this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta. Their ridges hold the sauce beautifully. However, any short pasta shape will work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment!
Pesto 🌿
You can use store-bought pesto to save time, and that’s perfectly fine. But, if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade pesto is *so* much better. It really elevates this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta. pesto pasta recipe is a great place to start!
Heavy Cream 🥛
Heavy cream is the key to that luscious, creamy sauce. Don’t skimp! It makes all the difference in this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta. You can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta 👩🍳
First, add the pasta, water, and a pinch of salt to a large pot. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
Next, stir in the pesto and heavy cream. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is heated through and creamy. After that, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, serve immediately and garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this amazing One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta! It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. 😋
7 Pro Tips for Kitchen Success ✨
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the best texture.
- Use high-quality pesto for the most flavorful sauce.
- Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp to your One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid 🚫
One common mistake is using too little water. The pasta needs enough liquid to cook properly. Also, avoid adding the cream too early, as it can sometimes scorch. Remember, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is all about simplicity!
FAQs 🤔
- Can I make this vegan? Yes! Use vegan pesto and a plant-based cream alternative.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Spinach, cherry tomatoes, or peas would be delicious.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.
- What kind of pesto is best? Basil pesto is classic, but sun-dried tomato pesto also works well in this One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta.
Final Thoughts 💖
I truly hope you enjoy this incredibly easy One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta as much as my family does. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to check out One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta for more delicious recipes!
One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Add pasta, water, and salt to a large pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in pesto and heavy cream.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with basil and Parmesan cheese.