One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a rich, flavorful dish that comes together quickly and with minimal cleanup. With just one pot, I can create a creamy, herb-packed pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when I want something comforting without much effort. The pesto brings bold flavor, while the cream adds smoothness and depth that makes every bite satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, fast, and doesn’t leave a pile of dishes behind. The pesto gives it that fresh, herby taste, and when it blends with cream and cheese, it turns into a silky, luxurious sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. Whether I’m making it for myself or the whole family, this dish always delivers on flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
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Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
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Heavy cream or half-and-half
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Garlic (minced)
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Olive oil or butter
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Parmesan cheese (grated)
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Salt and pepper
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Water or vegetable broth (for cooking the pasta)
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Optional: cherry tomatoes, spinach, or cooked chicken for extra flavor
Directions
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I heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant, about 1 minute.
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I add the dry pasta, water or broth, a pinch of salt, and bring everything to a boil.
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Once it’s boiling, I lower the heat and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10–12 minutes).
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I stir in the pesto and cream, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta.
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I add Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce.
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I taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
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If I’m adding extras like spinach, tomatoes, or chicken, I stir them in at the end until warmed through.
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I serve it hot, topped with a little more Parmesan or fresh basil if I have some on hand.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of basil pesto for a deeper, richer flavor. I also like stirring in spinach or kale for a green boost. For a heartier meal, I add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. When I want extra texture, I toss in pine nuts or chopped walnuts at the end.
storage/reheating
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. I stir it frequently to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, I’ve used whole milk or even half-and-half. The result is slightly less rich but still creamy and delicious.
What kind of pesto works best?
I usually go with classic basil pesto, but any kind—like arugula, kale, or even store-bought vegan pesto—can work well depending on the flavor I’m going for.
Is this dish vegetarian?
It can be! As long as I use vegetarian pesto and skip any meat add-ins, it’s a great veggie-friendly option.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. I use my favorite gluten-free pasta, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, I just add a splash of broth or milk while stirring to loosen it to the consistency I like.
Conclusion
One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket for nights when I want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s rich, herby, and full of creamy goodness—all made in one pot. Whether I serve it as-is or dress it up with extra veggies or protein, it’s always a delicious, stress-free meal.
Print
One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick and easy dish combining fresh basil pesto, cream, and cheese in one pot for a rich, flavorful, and comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy nights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 1/2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, 1 cup spinach, or 1 cup cooked chicken
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add dry pasta, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes or until pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in basil pesto and cream, mixing until smooth and creamy.
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Season with black pepper to taste. Adjust salt if needed.
- If using extras like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or chicken, stir them in and cook for 1–2 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve hot, topped with more Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a flavor variation.
- Add spinach, kale, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for more nutrition.
- Top with pine nuts or walnuts for added texture.
- Use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
