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Easy One-Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta for Busy Weeknights

A close-up of penne pasta coated in vibrant green creamy pesto pasta sauce, topped with grated cheese.
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Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This recipe delivers a rich, velvety pesto sauce coating tender pasta, all made in one pot in under 20 minutes. It is comfort food made simple.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup half-and-half or milk (for a lighter sauce, use milk)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the penne pasta, vegetable broth, and water into a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, if using.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot partially, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is nearly cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the basil pesto and the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  4. Pour in the half-and-half or milk. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pasta, creating that rich, velvety texture you want.
  5. Taste the pasta and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
  6. Serve immediately in bowls, topping each serving with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken or a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the pasta sit off the heat for 3 minutes before stirring in the dairy. The starch will continue to absorb the liquid.
  • This recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a great choice for quick easy vegetarian pasta dinners.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/creamy-pesto-pasta-recipe-easy-one-pot/