![For this dish, you need just a few simple items. Here is the list of main ingredients: - 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work well) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, loosely packed - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful base for your pasta. The pesto adds a fresh herbal taste, and the cream makes it rich. You can easily change this dish to suit your taste. Here are some optional ingredients to consider: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein - Artichoke hearts for a unique twist - Bell peppers for extra color and crunch - Zucchini or broccoli for more veggies - Nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture Feel free to mix and match these options based on what you enjoy or have on hand. When cooking, keep dietary needs in mind. Here are some options: - Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish fit your needs. - Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. - Vegan: Use a plant-based pesto and skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast. These simple swaps help make the dish more inclusive. You can enjoy this creamy pesto pasta no matter your diet! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions in the article. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute. You want it fragrant and golden, not browned. If it gets too brown, it turns bitter. Next, add your pasta and vegetable broth to the pot. Turn up the heat to bring it to a gentle boil. When it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it occasionally. This helps prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is al dente, and most of the liquid is absorbed. Lower the heat again and stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto. Mix well until everything is combined. Allow the pot to simmer for 2 to 3 more minutes. This will help thicken the sauce into a creamy texture. Now, gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes warm up, which takes about 2 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes smooth. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. If it seems too thick, splash in some vegetable broth. Serve this pasta right from the pot. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if you want. This dish is both simple and delightful! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To make your sauce super creamy, use heavy cream. It blends well with the pesto. Stir it in slowly after cooking the pasta. This helps the sauce coat each piece of pasta evenly. If you want a lighter touch, try half-and-half. It’s a great swap but won’t be as rich. No one likes sticky pasta. To prevent this, stir the pasta often while it cooks. Use enough liquid, like vegetable broth, so the pasta has room to move. If it gets sticky, add a splash of broth. This gets everything moving again and keeps it nice. Want to save time? Use a food processor to chop garlic and veggies fast. You can also pre-measure your ingredients. This way, you grab what you need quickly. If you're short on time, use store-bought pesto. It saves work while still tasting great. For the full recipe, check out One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta. {{image_4}} You can change this dish to fit your taste. Adding protein can make it heartier. Try chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. Each option brings a unique flavor. You can also use different veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work well. They add color and nutrients. You can mix and match as you like! Want a vegan twist? Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream. This keeps the creaminess without dairy. Choose a vegan pesto too, made from nuts and herbs. You can also pick pasta made from chickpeas or lentils for added protein. This way, you can enjoy this dish without any animal products. The sauce is key to flavor! Try different herbs like cilantro or parsley. You can also add spices for a kick. Red pepper flakes or black pepper can spice it up. If you like a milder taste, skip the heat. Feel free to mix new flavors until you find your favorite. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it well to keep moisture out. This way, your creamy pesto pasta stays fresh and tasty. When it's time to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. I recommend using a pan on low heat. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to help loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but heat it in short bursts. This keeps the pasta from drying out. If you want to freeze your creamy pesto pasta, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it on the stove with a bit of broth to restore its creamy texture. Enjoy your meal later with ease! For the full recipe, check out the complete guide mentioned earlier. Yes, you can use homemade pesto in this dish. It adds a fresh flavor that store-bought may lack. Homemade pesto lets you control the ingredients and adjust the taste to your liking. Just blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and olive oil, then mix it into the pasta. You can use any pasta you enjoy. I recommend penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. These shapes hold the sauce well. They also cook evenly in one pot, making the process smooth and easy. To lighten this dish, substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free option. You can also use less pesto. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers boosts nutrition without adding many calories. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream. For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth. Each option gives a different taste but still keeps the dish creamy. This dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 15 minutes cooking. It’s a quick meal perfect for busy nights. For the full recipe, check the details above. This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is easy and fun to make. We covered main and optional ingredients that fit your needs. Follow simple steps to create a creamy delight. Tips help you craft the perfect dish without hassle. Try variations to suit your taste or dietary choices. Store leftovers for quick meals later. Enjoy this meal today, and make it your own!](https://dailydishcraft.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/be392c5c-522c-4119-8674-461e05f9824f-250x250.webp)
One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta
Indulge in the deliciousness of One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta! This quick and easy recipe combines tender pasta, aromatic garlic, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies all in one pot, making dinner a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare. Ready to savor a mouthwatering meal? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game today!