This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick, comforting, and flavor-packed dish made with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Creamy texture, herby pesto, and perfectly cooked pasta make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or when you want an easy, homemade meal that still feels special. I’ve tested this method multiple times to ensure the sauce stays smooth, rich, and never greasy.
If you love creamy pasta dishes, check out my One Pot Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for another quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy & Comforting: Rich pesto cream sauce coats every bite for maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Works with any pasta or even added veggies and protein.
- Fresh & Flavorful: Sautéed bell peppers, onions, and fresh parsley make it vibrant.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
- 300 g penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 6 tablespoons pesto sauce
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cups heavy cream (35%)
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (a handful)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Equipment Need
- Knife and cutting board
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan (for sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta Recipe
Cook the Pasta
Bring water to a boil, add 1 teaspoon salt, and cook penne until just firm (al dente). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, drain the rest, and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper, red onion, and remaining salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized. Slow cooking enhances the natural sweetness.
Incorporate Pesto
Add the pesto and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is slightly reduced and aromatic.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the flour with a bit of warm water to make a smooth slurry. Remove the skillet from the heat and gradually stir in the slurry. Return to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes silky.
Season the Sauce
Mix in garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked penne and toss gently to coat. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the pasta absorbs the creamy pesto flavors.
For a lighter, garlicky twist, try my Creamy Tomato Garlic Pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the pasta hot with freshly grated Parmesan.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness.
- Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Serve alongside roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Add a crisp side salad to balance the creamy flavors.
Pair your pasta with my crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders for a complete, delicious dinner.”
Expert Tips
- Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture.
- Use fresh or high-quality pesto for a richer flavor.
- Simmer the cream on medium-low to prevent curdling.
- Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
FAQs About This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta Recipe
Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of penne?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta works perfectly. Just cook slightly less if you prefer it al dente, and the creamy pesto sauce will coat it beautifully.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream and use a dairy-free pesto. The flavor will remain rich and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is quick, flavorful, and comforting, a perfect weeknight dinner or easy lunch. With tender pasta, sautéed veggies, and a rich herby sauce, it’s a dish everyone will love. Try pairing it with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal, and don’t forget to experiment with toppings like Parmesan or extra parsley to make it your own signature recipe.
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta (One Pot Easy Dinner Recipe)
Ingredients
- 300 g penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tsp salt, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 6 tbsp pesto sauce
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional for topping
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 teaspoon salt. Cook the penne until just tender but still firm. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bell pepper, red onion, and the remaining salt. Cook slowly for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. This step builds the base flavor of the dish.
Add the Pesto
- Stir the pesto sauce into the vegetables and pour in the reserved pasta water. Let it simmer gently for a few minutes until the mixture looks slightly glossy and well combined.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little warm water until smooth. Remove the pan from heat and slowly stir in the slurry. Place the pan back on medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens into a silky texture.
Season the Sauce
- Add garlic powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine and Finish
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated. Let it cook together for 3–5 minutes so the flavors fully blend.
Serve
- Serve the creamy pesto pasta warm. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and extra parsley for a fresh, elegant finish. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a light side salad.
Notes
- Use good-quality pesto for the best flavor — homemade or fresh store-bought works best.
- Cook pasta al dente so it holds its shape in the creamy sauce.
- Always mix flour with water before adding to prevent lumps.
- Simmer gently after adding cream; high heat can split the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days and reheated with a splash of milk.
