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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta: A Cozy One-Pot Delight

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick, cozy, one-pot dish that brings comfort to busy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne pasta Gluten-free option available.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt or kosher salt works well.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Green bell pepper Can substitute with zucchini.
  • 1 medium Red onion Yellow onion can substitute.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Pesto sauce Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1 cup Reserved pasta water Save before draining.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream (35%) Substitute with half-and-half for lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour Use cornstarch for gluten-free option.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Fresh minced garlic can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano Italian seasoning can substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Freshly chopped parsley Basil is a substitute.
  • 1 to taste Black pepper Adjust according to preference.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan (optional) Nutritional yeast can substitute.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Sauté the diced green bell pepper and red onion with 1 teaspoon of salt in a large skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes until softened.
  2. Pour in the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water, simmering gently for 5 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and warm reserved pasta water to create a slurry and mix it into the pesto mixture in the skillet. Return to medium heat and whisk in the heavy cream, simmering until thickened.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked penne pasta, tossing to coat in the sauce, and let simmer for 5 minutes to soak up flavors.
  6. Plate the creamy pesto sauce pasta, finishing with grated Parmesan and extra parsley for garnish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container; lasts up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of reserved pasta water or cream.

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