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–+ servings
Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta

Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta: A Quick, Indulgent Delight

Enjoy a quick and delightful Creamy Pesto Sauce Pasta, perfect for weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed
  • 1 teaspoon Salt use sea salt for robust flavor
For the Vegetables
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper can substitute with yellow or red bell pepper
  • 1 medium Red Onion yellow onion can be used
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup Pesto Sauce store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup Reserved Pasta Water save before draining pasta
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream (35%) for lighter option, use half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour cornstarch can substitute for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder fresh garlic can substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano fresh oregano is an option
  • 1 to taste Black Pepper white pepper can be used for milder flavor
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup Freshly Chopped Parsley basil can also be used
  • ¼ cup Grated Parmesan optional; nutritional yeast can be dairy-free substitute

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add diced green bell pepper and red onion along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.
  2. Once the vegetables are perfectly sautéed, stir in your creamy pesto sauce and carefully add ½ cup of reserved pasta water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour with ¼ cup of warm water. Gradually add the slurry to the sauce, mixing thoroughly. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, and let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well, tasting to adjust seasoning.
  5. Add cooked penne pasta directly into the sauce. Gently toss and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
  6. Plate the creamy pesto sauce pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and sprinkle grated Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 15gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, sauté vegetables thoroughly. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as necessary. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

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