Why Make This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. It combines fresh pesto with creamy goodness, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish that can be whipped up in just 20 minutes. The best part? Cooking everything in a single pot means less cleanup, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle of a mountain of dishes. The delightful aroma of basil and garlic wafts through your kitchen as this dish cooks, promising a delicious experience from the first bite to the last.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 420
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
This simple recipe requires minimal preparation and cook time, making it ideal for any cook, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned chef. With just a few fresh ingredients, you’ll create a pasta dish that’s not just filling but also bursting with flavor and vibrant color.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil leaves for garnish
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a large pot, combine the pasta, pesto sauce, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
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Step 2: Mixing
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Step 3: Cooking
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
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Step 4: Finishing
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
Serve this delightful dish warm, straight from the pot, for maximum comfort. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty garlic bread, making it a wonderful choice for a family dinner or a cozy date night. You can also enjoy it with a glass of white wine on special occasions!
How to Store One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
If you have any leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Expert Tips for Perfect One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- If you love vegetables, consider adding in some broccoli or bell peppers along with the spinach.
- For a protein boost, toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Adjust the amount of pesto based on your preference for flavor intensity.
- Garnish each serving with additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta: Use sun-dried tomato pesto in place of traditional pesto for a tangy twist.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Spicy Garlic Pesto Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili to the dish for a spicy kick that complements the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta works wonderfully and adds extra fiber to the dish. - What type of pesto should I use?
You can use store-bought or homemade pesto. Fresh basil pesto provides a vibrant flavor, but any variety you enjoy will work. - Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, feel free to double the ingredients if you’re feeding a crowd. Just ensure that your pot has enough space for all the ingredients. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta such as rice or chickpea pasta to make it gluten-free. - What can I substitute for spinach?
You can use kale or arugula as alternatives. Both provide a lovely texture and flavor.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with flavor and vibrancy, making it a showstopper for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this dish will impress your family and friends. Give it a try, and you might just have a new favorite on your hands!
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One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring creamy pesto, fresh vegetables, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the pasta, pesto sauce, heavy cream, and vegetable broth. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Remove the pot from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
