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Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta to Elevate Your Weeknight Dinners

This Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick, delicious dish that transforms weeknight dinners into delightful feasts with its rich flavor.
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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 ounces Penne Pasta Consider gluten-free pasta for an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Reserve some for boiling water and others for the sauce.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Feel free to substitute with seasonal bell pepper.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Yellow onion is a fine alternative.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Homemade or store-bought works well.
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water Use to adjust sauce consistency.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (35%) Substitute half with milk for fewer calories.
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Cornstarch can be a gluten-free alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can substitute this for more flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Optional but recommended.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Prefer freshly cracked for best flavor.
For the Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Freshly Chopped Parsley Can swap with basil.
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Optional for garnish; skip for dairy-free.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • small bowl
  • pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced green bell pepper and red onion with salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
  2. Stir in pesto sauce and a splash of reserved pasta water. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine flour with warm water to form a slurry. Mix into the sauce, then add heavy cream while stirring. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Add garlic powder, oregano, parsley, and black pepper. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Toss in the cooked penne pasta and simmer together for about 5 minutes.
  6. Plate generously, garnishing with Parmesan and extra parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze sauce and pasta separately for longevity.

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