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One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta

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Herbaceous and full of flavor, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! Made in one pot, it’s quick, nutritious, and ready in minutes. Serve it on its own as a filling vegetarian meal, or pair it with your favorite protein for a recipe everyone will enjoy! 

a bowl of creamy pesto pasta with a fork sticking out

Why You’ll Love Creamy Pesto Pasta

If you know us, you know we’re huge fans of one pot pasta recipes. They’re quick, easy, and always delicious. We have tons of variations you can find here, but our latest obsession is this creamy pesto pasta recipe! It’s: 

  • Easy to make and ready in less than 30 minutes. 
  • Full of refreshing, herbaceous flavor.
  • Absolutely loaded with vegetables. 
  • Great for meal prep, customizable, and budget-friendly. 
creamy pesto pasta in a dutch oven

Ingredients You’ll Need

Thanks to the abundance of vegetables, this creamy pesto pasta recipe leaves you feeling full and satisfied without weighing you down. Here’s what you’ll need: 

  • Pasta – We use rotini for this recipe. Make sure it’s uncooked! 
  • Olive Oil – This is used to sauté the veggies, adding healthy fats and enhancing their flavor. 
  • Vegetables – Onion, asparagus, zucchini, frozen green peas, and garlic combine to create the best nutrient-rich comfort food. 
  • Broth – We recommend low-sodium varieties. Both chicken and vegetable broth works great! 
  • Herbs and Spices – There’s no shortage of flavor here! You’ll need crushed red pepper, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper for a bold savory taste. 
  • Pesto – You can use a store-bought option, but we like to create our own
  • Heavy Cream – This is the key to creating the rich flavor and silky texture we love about this dish. 
  • Parmesan Cheese – Everything tastes better with cheese! 
  • Garnish – Add fresh oregano or basil on top for extra flavor and a pop of color. 

Optional Add-Ins

We kept this creamy pesto pasta vegetarian to fit a variety of needs. However, feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients to bulk it up and make it your own. For instance, some popular additions include: 

close up image of cooked pasta with pesto and veggies

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta

You’re not going to believe how quick this dish is to make or that it’s even easier to clean up! 

  1. Sauté. Heat the oil in a large, deep dutch oven, and sauté the onions until they’re fragrant. Add in the garlic. 
  2. Combine the Ingredients. Once the garlic is fragrant, add the rest of the veggies, uncooked pasta, broth, and seasonings. 
  3. Boil. Stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover, and cook until the pasta and veggies are tender, stirring halfway through. 
  4. Add the Remaining Ingredients. Stir in the pesto, peas, Parmesan, and cream. Garnish, and serve warm! 
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How to Store and Reheat

This creamy pesto pasta is a great meal prep recipe that can be enjoyed throughout the week. Just follow the storage tips below to keep it fresh! 

Refrigerator: Once cooked and fully cooled, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days

Freezer: Store your pasta in the freezer for up to 6 months

To Reheat: When you’re ready to eat, let your pasta thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, warm it up in 30-second intervals in the microwave. Or, add it back to a pot on the stove over medium heat! If your pasta seems a little dry, stir in an extra splash of broth or cream to freshen it back up! 

close up image of creamy pesto pasta with asparagus, zucchini, and peas

Creamy Pesto Pasta Common Questions

What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe? 

We prefer rotini, but any spiral-shaped pasta will do! The twisted shapes help the sauce cling to the noodles, guaranteeing every bite is bursting with flavor. 

Can this be made gluten-free? 

Sure! Just replace the rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta instead. 

What pairs well with creamy pesto pasta? 

This recipe makes for a filling meal all on its own. However, it also pairs well with all your favorite sides and salads. Or, serve it with your favorite protein like Baked Pesto Chicken or Easy Beef Kofta for a hearty dinner! 

More Great One Pot Pasta Recipes 

Can’t get enough one pot pasta in your life? We’ve got you covered with even more delicious recipes! 

one post creamy pesto pasta

One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta

Food Dolls
Herbaceous and full of flavor, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! Made in one pot, it’s quick, nutritious, and ready in minutes.
Prep Time 2 minutes
Course dinner
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 396 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 small onion (diced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 16 ounces dry rotini pasta
  • 1/2 cup asparagus (chopped)
  • 1 cup zucchini (chopped)
  • 4 1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper + more or less to taste
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt + more or less to taste
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper + more or less to taste
  • 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/2 cup frozen green peas
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • Optional: fresh oregano or basil for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large, deep dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, and sauté 2-3 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic, and stir just until fragrant. Add in the uncooked pasta, asparagus, zucchini, broth, crushed red pepper, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the ingredients to a boil. Cover, and cook on medium heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Remove the lid, and stir in the pesto, peas, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream until well combined.
  • Garnish fresh oregano or basil, and serve warm.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 396kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 1430mg | Potassium: 281mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 806IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 218mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword basil pesto, creamy pesto pasta, easy pasta recipe, one pot pasta, pesto pasta
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