If you’re a fan of pesto, this Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is about to become your new favorite comfort dish. It’s rich, fragrant, and made all in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Perfectly cooked penne pasta is coated in a luscious sauce made from fresh pesto, cream, sautéed vegetables, and seasonings, making it a satisfying weeknight dinner you’ll want to make on repeat.
This recipe brings together the bold, herby flavor of pesto with the smooth creaminess of a classic pasta sauce, striking the perfect balance between freshness and indulgence. Even better, it comes together in about 30 minutes, making it both quick and impressive.
My Opinion
I have to admit, this recipe is one of my personal favorites when I’m craving something cozy yet bright. The combination of sautéed peppers and onions with creamy pesto is heavenly.
The sweetness of the caramelized onion pairs beautifully with the herby, nutty pesto, and when the heavy cream brings everything together, the result is silky and comforting without being too heavy.
What I love most is how versatile this pasta is. Sometimes I’ll add grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal, but even on its own, it feels complete. My family especially loves when I sprinkle extra parmesan on top before serving—it adds that irresistible salty kick. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly simple to whip up at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ One-pot recipe – less mess, easy cleanup.
- ✅ Flavor-packed – pesto, veggies, and spices make it rich yet vibrant.
- ✅ Creamy & indulgent – the sauce clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
- ✅ Customizable – add chicken, shrimp, or different veggies to suit your taste.
- ✅ Quick & easy – ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or braiser (for sauce)
- Knife and cutting board (for prepping vegetables)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (for mixing flour slurry)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring the sauce)
Ingredients
- 300 g penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 6 tablespoons pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- 2 cups heavy cream (35%)
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (a handful)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside. - Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt, diced green bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize. This step is key to building deep flavor, so don’t rush it. - Prepare the Pesto Sauce Base
Stir in the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water with the vegetables. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. - Make the Creamy Base
In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with a splash of warm water to create a smooth slurry (no lumps!). Remove the skillet from heat and slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce. Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. - Season the Sauce
Add garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir everything together, tasting and adjusting seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed. - Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing until each piece of pasta is fully coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor. - Serve
Plate the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and extra parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Pasta: Use rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta.
- Green Bell Pepper: Try red or yellow bell pepper, zucchini, or spinach.
- Red Onion: Substitute with yellow onion, shallots, or leeks for milder flavor.
- Pesto Sauce: Use sun-dried tomato pesto, homemade basil pesto, or basil aioli.
- Heavy Cream: Swap with coconut cream, cashew cream, or half-and-half for lighter version.
- All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or almond flour work for gluten-free options.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Top Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the sauté — caramelized onions and peppers deepen the flavor of the dish.
- Always whisk the flour slurry until smooth to avoid lumps.
- Use reserved pasta water to create a silky texture and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve, then toss it with the reheated sauce.
Can I make this lighter?
Absolutely. Substitute half-and-half for the cream, and reduce the flour if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Can I add protein?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon all make excellent additions.
Serving Suggestions / Pairing
This creamy pesto pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled chicken breast or shrimp
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Light green salad with vinaigrette
- For dessert: cherry chocolate cake, vanilla tres leches cake, or classic carrot cake
Conclusion
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is the ultimate weeknight indulgence: simple, hearty, and bursting with flavor. The pesto adds freshness, the cream makes it luscious, and the veggies give it texture and balance. Whether you enjoy it as-is or load it up with extra protein, this dish will easily become a household favorite.
Category: Main Course, Dinner, Pasta
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables. Heat a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon salt, diced green bell pepper, and red onion. Sauté for about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and beginning to caramelize. This step is key to building deep flavor, so don’t rush it.
- Prepare the Pesto Sauce Base. Stir in the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water with the vegetables. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
- Make the Creamy Base. In a small bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour with a splash of warm water to create a smooth slurry (no lumps!). Remove the skillet from heat and slowly whisk the slurry into the sauce. Return the skillet to medium heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir continuously and let the sauce simmer for 5–10 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Season the Sauce. Add garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Stir everything together, tasting and adjusting seasoning with more salt or pepper as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing until each piece of pasta is fully coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor.
- Serve. Plate the pasta and finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and extra parsley for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Hey there! I’m Steffan, the food lover and creator behind Biteblis.com. Thank you for stopping by! I hope you’ll explore, get inspired, and find something delicious to cook up at home. My mission is simple: to spread joy through food, one tasty bite at a time. For more info, visit About Us.