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One-Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta for Quick Weeknight Dinners

Close-up of creamy pesto pasta made with penne, generously coated in green pesto and topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
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Make this rich, velvety pesto pasta in a single pot. This recipe delivers comfort food flavor with minimal cleanup, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
  • 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the pasta and water or broth into a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  2. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if using.
  4. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly. The residual heat will thicken the sauce.
  5. Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
  6. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the water with low-sodium chicken broth.
  • If you want to add protein, stir in 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken during the final step.
  • If the sauce seems too thick after resting, add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

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