This One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta is a fast, flavorful dinner made with tender pasta, rich basil pesto, and a creamy Parmesan sauce — all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.
12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or similar)
2½ cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup basil pesto
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled chicken, red pepper flakes
In large pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic, sauté 30 sec.
Add broth and pasta. Bring to boil, reduce heat. Simmer 10–12 min, stirring often.
Stir in cream and pesto. Reduce heat to low.
Add Parmesan. Stir until melted. Season to taste.
Optional: stir in add-ins like spinach or chicken.
Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or pesto.
Use fresh pesto for best flavor. Stir pasta often. Let sit 5 minutes to thicken before serving.