Name: Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta, cooked al dente; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 red onion, diced; 6 tbsp pesto sauce; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water; 2 cups heavy cream (35%); 1 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp dried oregano; Freshly chopped parsley, a handful; 1 tsp black pepper; Grated Parmesan

If you adore the bold, herbaceous punch of pesto and have a soft spot for luscious, creamy sauces, this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) is about to become your dinnertime hero. It captures everything irresistible about a classic Italian pasta but brings it together in a single pan with an irresistibly smooth, emerald-streaked sauce that hugs every bite. Ready in no time, bursting with color and flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes for easy weeknight indulgence—without the fuss or dishes.

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component of Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) plays a special role in building layers of flavor and making the final dish sing. A handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll crave again and again.

Penne pasta: The short shape holds the creamy pesto sauce perfectly in every bite.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the sauce—don’t skip it for the brightest taste!
Green bell pepper: Diced for a pop of color and subtle crunch that lifts the creamy sauce.
Red onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth as it caramelizes alongside the bell pepper.
Pesto sauce: The flavor base—choose a high-quality store-bought or your favorite homemade blend for ultimate freshness.
Reserved pasta water: The secret to a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the noodles.
Heavy cream: Ultra-rich and decadent, it’s the key to lush, velvety texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps bind and thicken the sauce, making it extra clingy and satisfying.
Garlic powder: Infuses mellow warmth and boosts the sauce’s savory notes.
Dried oregano: Lends a gentle Mediterranean fragrance to the finished dish.
Freshly chopped parsley: Sprinkled in for a burst of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
Black pepper: Rounds out all the creamy and herbal flavors with a gentle heat.
Grated Parmesan (optional): For a salty, umami-packed flourish that elevates the dish to dinner-party status.

How to Make Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe)

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced green bell pepper and red onion along with half the salt. Let them sauté, stirring occasionally, for around 10 minutes. Don’t rush—allowing the veggies to soften and caramelize brings out natural sweetness and a slightly smoky layer of flavor that’s worth every extra minute.

Step 2: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

Add your pesto sauce and reserved pasta water straight into the sizzling pan with the softened veggies. Stir everything together so the pesto evenly coats the peppers and onions, then let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and intensifies the basil aroma that makes this dish so special.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

In a small bowl or cup, whisk the flour with a splash of warm water until completely smooth. Take your pan off the heat and drizzle in this slurry little by little, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Allow everything to simmer together for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until your sauce is beautifully thick and glossy.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, chopped parsley, black pepper, and the remaining salt. Stir the spices in well—this step brings bright herby notes and depth to the sauce, rounding out the rich creaminess and aromatic pesto.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked penne pasta directly into the sauce-filled skillet. Toss everything together and let the pasta simmer in all that creamy goodness for about 5 more minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up every bit of flavor so that each forkful is harmonious and satisfying.

Step 6: Serve

Plate your Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) generously. Top with plenty of freshly grated Parmesan and a scatter of extra parsley for an inviting burst of color. Serve immediately and let everyone dig in while the sauce is at its silky, steamy best.

How to Serve Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe)

Garnishes

A generous dusting of grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley will make your Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) look as stunning as it tastes. If you’re feeling extra, a twist of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil brings even more vibrancy to the plate.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta loves to share the table with bright, crisp sides. A simply dressed arugula salad, garlic bread, or roasted cherry tomatoes work wonders to balance the richness while adding freshness and a pop of color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping twist, serve the pasta in a large family-style bowl or twirl portions into individual nests for a restaurant feel. If you want to get playful, add a few roasted pine nuts or thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes as an eye-catching topping. Fresh basil leaves also make a beautiful finishing touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe), let it cool before transferring to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and seal tightly. It will keep well for up to two months. The texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing, but the flavor remains lovely.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream over low heat, stirring often until warmed through and the sauce is silky again. For a speedier method, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly for holding onto the creamy pesto sauce, you can use fusilli, rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti—just keep an eye on the cooking time for that perfect al dente texture.

What’s the best way to make homemade pesto for this recipe?

If you’re making your own, combine fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth, and you’ll have a fresh pesto ready to whisk into your Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) for unbeatable flavor.

Can I make this sauce dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream. Use vegan pesto and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese if you’d like to keep things creamy and rich.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much as it sits, simply stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or milk until it returns to the perfect consistency. This keeps your Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) luscious and smooth for serving.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy tofu all make wonderful additions for a heartier meal. Just mix them in just before serving to keep everything juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof way to impress friends, family, or just treat yourself to something truly comforting, give Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Best Easy One Pot Recipe) a whirl tonight. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and, best of all, incredibly easy—your new pasta night favorite is just a pot away!