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One-Pot 30-Minute Creamy Pesto Pasta

A white bowl filled with penne pasta coated in vibrant green creamy pesto pasta sauce, topped with grated Parmesan and black pepper.
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Make this rich, velvety pesto pasta quickly using a simple one-pot method. This recipe delivers comforting, Alfredo-style flavor in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup prepared basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  2. Add the dry pasta and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom, until the pasta is nearly al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Continue to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta.
  4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  6. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with cream cheese, adding it in the final step with the Parmesan.
  • If you want to add protein, cook 1 pound of diced chicken breast separately, then stir it in during the final step with the cream.
  • To make this a Spinach Pesto Pasta, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves during the last 2 minutes of cooking until wilted.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://seventhflavour.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-30-min/