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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta: One-Pot Comfort in Every Bite

Indulge in this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta, a one-pot dish that combines fragrant sauce with al dente penne for an easy and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta Gluten-free pasta can be used as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt A pinch enhances flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 cup Reserved Pasta Water Save before draining pasta.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Can use cornstarch slurry for a gluten-free option.
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be added for more flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano Fresh oregano can be used as a substitute.
  • ¼ cup Freshly Chopped Parsley For garnish.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Optional topping for extra flavor.
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Can substitute with other colors of bell peppers.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Yellow onion can be substituted.

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Food Processor

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 teaspoon of salt, and sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in your chosen pesto sauce and ½ cup of reserved pasta water, bringing to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Whisk 2 tablespoons of flour with ¼ cup of warm water to create a slurry. Remove skillet from heat, incorporate slurry into the sauce, then add 1 cup of heavy cream and return to medium heat to simmer for 5-10 minutes until thick.
  4. Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and freshly chopped parsley, stirring to combine and adjusting seasoning with salt and black pepper.
  5. Toss in the cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, allowing it to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
  6. Plate the creamy pesto sauce pasta immediately, garnishing with additional parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 15gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months, reheating gently with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

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