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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta: Your New Quick Comfort Meal

Creamy pesto sauce pasta is a quick and comforting dish perfect for weeknights, bursting with fresh flavors.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 10 ounces Penne Pasta Any pasta shape works fine
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use while boiling the pasta and seasoning the sauce
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Can swap for other colorful bell peppers or zucchini
  • 1 cup Red Onion Substitute with shallots or yellow onions if desired
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Store-bought or homemade versions work
  • ½ cup Reserved Pasta Water Helps emulsify the sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half or coconut cream can be used
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Opt for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be used as well
For Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Freshly Chopped Parsley Basil can be an alternative
  • 1 to taste Black Pepper White pepper can be used for a milder flavor
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Optional for extra flavor, nutritional yeast for a vegan twist

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté the vegetables for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and caramelize, turning slightly golden.
  2. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in your favorite pesto sauce along with ½ cup of the reserved pasta water. Allow this mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with ¼ cup of warm water to create a slurry. Gradually incorporate this slurry into the simmering pesto sauce, then add 1 cup of heavy cream.
  4. To deepen the flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ¼ cup of freshly chopped parsley. Season with black pepper to taste.
  5. Next, toss in the cooked penne pasta, stirring to fully coat it in the rich sauce. Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes.
  6. Once plated, garnish your creamy pesto sauce pasta with grated Parmesan cheese and additional parsley for a fresh touch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente to ensure it holds up well. Sauté green bell pepper and red onion until caramelized for deeper flavor. Use a high-quality pesto for the best flavor; a store-bought brand may vary in taste.

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