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–+ servings
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta for the Ultimate Comfort Meal

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a quick and indulgent meal that combines simple ingredients into a delightful dish, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Cooked al dente; gluten-free option available.
  • 1 tsp Salt Preferably sea salt or kosher salt.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Green Bell Pepper Diced; any bell pepper color or zucchini can be used.
  • 1 small Red Onion Diced; can be replaced with yellow onion or shallots.
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce Homemade or store-bought.
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Pasta Water Essential for emulsifying the sauce.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can use half-and-half for a lighter option.
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Consider cornstarch as a gluten-free thickening option.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be used for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be used as an alternative.
For Garnishing
  • 2 tbsp Freshly Chopped Parsley Basil can be used for a different herbal flavor.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to personal taste.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Optional, nutritional yeast for vegan option.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced green bell pepper and red onion, along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until softened and caramelized.
  2. Stir in the pesto sauce and reserved pasta water. Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes.
  3. Whisk together the flour with a bit of warm water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually add this slurry into the skillet, then slowly incorporate the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, dried oregano, freshly chopped parsley, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional minute and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce, tossing gently for an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Serve in generous portions, optionally sprinkled with grated Parmesan and additional chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 12gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Leftovers can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently, adding a splash of cream or water to revive creaminess.

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