Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Pesto Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender penne with a rich, herbaceous sauce. The sautéed vegetables add sweetness and depth, making every bite deliciously satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente)
• 2 tsp salt (divided)
• 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 for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized. Take your time to develop deeper flavor.
2. Step 2: Add the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the water evaporates.
3. Step 3: In a small cup or bowl, whisk together the flour and a little warm water to make a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the slurry to avoid lumps.
4. Step 4: Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Step 5: Add garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
6. Step 6: Toss in the cooked penne pasta and let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce and flavors.
7. Step 7: Serve the creamy pesto pasta plated with optional grated Parmesan and extra parsley for a fresh garnish.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
• If you like extra veggies, add chopped spinach or cherry tomatoes during the sauté step.
• Replace penne with another pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle for a different texture.
• Use fresh garlic minced instead of garlic powder for a more vibrant flavor.

Storage

Store leftover creamy pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly and saves time. Choose a high-quality pesto for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

Simmer the sauce gently without boiling it vigorously. Adding the flour slurry helps stabilize the cream and prevents separation.

Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 80 reviews

A luscious and comforting creamy pesto pasta featuring sautéed bell pepper and onion, combined with a rich heavy cream and pesto sauce. Perfectly cooked penne pasta is enveloped in a thickened basil pesto cream sauce, finished with aromatic herbs and optional Parmesan topping for an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 300 g penne pasta (cooked al dente)
• 2 tsp salt (divided)

Vegetables

• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 red onion (diced)

Sauce

• 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
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley (a handful)

Garnish

• Grated Parmesan for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized. This gradual cooking develops a deeper, richer flavor base for the sauce.
2. Prepare the Pesto Sauce: Add the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water to the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and some of the water evaporates, enhancing the flavor concentration.
3. Create the Creamy Base: In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with a little warm water to form a smooth slurry. Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the slurry to prevent lumps. Return the pan to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Season the Sauce: Incorporate the garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper into the sauce. Stir thoroughly and adjust the seasoning by adding extra salt or pepper according to taste preference.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked al dente penne pasta to the pan. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto sauce. Let the pasta and sauce simmer together for about 5 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors and meld beautifully.
6. Serve: Plate the creamy pesto pasta and optionally top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with extra parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this rich, flavorful dish.

Notes

• For best flavor, cook the bell pepper and onion slowly to caramelize and deepen their taste.
• Reserve some pasta water as it helps to loosen the sauce and improve texture.
• The flour slurry is key to thickening the sauce without lumps.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version but sauce may be less rich.
• Parmesan topping is optional but adds a nice salty, nutty dimension.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.

Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, penne pasta recipe, easy pesto sauce, creamy pasta, Italian pasta dish, comfort food, sautéed vegetables, homemade pesto cream sauce