Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta: Your New Favorite One-Pot Delight

This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick and delightful one-pot dish that combines the fresh, herbal notes of pesto with rich cream.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz Penne Pasta cooked al dente
2 tsp Salt 1 teaspoon for pasta and 1 teaspoon for sautéing

For the Vegetables

1 Green Bell Pepper diced
1 Red Onion diced

For the Sauce

1 cup Pesto Sauce store-bought or homemade
½ cup Reserved Pasta Water can substitute with vegetable stock
1 cup Heavy Cream (35%) can substitute with half-and-half
1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour for thickening
½ tsp Garlic Powder can use fresh garlic as alternative
1 tsp Dried Oregano fresh oregano can be used
to taste Black Pepper

For the Garnish

2 tbsp Freshly Chopped Parsley or basil
¼ cup Grated Parmesan optional topping

Equipment

Large skillet

Method

Cooking Instructions

In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 teaspoon of salt, stirring frequently. Sauté for about 10 minutes, or until tender and golden.
Stir in the pesto sauce alongside ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Whisk together a tablespoon of flour with a few tablespoons of warm water to form a slurry. Gradually add this into the sauce while incorporating 1 cup of heavy cream, simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Mix in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and chopped parsley. Add black pepper to taste and let simmer for a few more minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to coat evenly in the sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve the creamy pesto sauce pasta, garnished with grated Parmesan and extra chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1portionCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Great for customizing with seasonal veggies or proteins like chicken or shrimp.

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