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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (Easy One-Pot Recipe)

This creamy pesto sauce pasta is a quick, comforting one-pot meal made with tender pasta, rich cream, and bold basil pesto. Perfect for busy weeknights or an easy, satisfying dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian-InspiredKeyword: Creamy Pesto Sauce PastaServings: 4

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ small onion finely chopped (optional)
  • 2½ cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup basil pesto
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Optional Protein
  • 1½ cups cooked chicken or crispy pan-seared chicken pieces

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add onion (if using) and cook until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Add uncooked pasta and pour in water or broth until just covered.
  4. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
  5. Lower heat and stir in the cream. Let simmer until slightly thickened.
  6. Add pesto and mix until fully combined.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  9. Top with crispy chicken if using and serve warm.