Description
A quick and delicious one pot creamy pesto pasta recipe perfect for weeknight dinners. This Italian-inspired dish combines tender pasta cooked directly in a flavorful broth and milk mixture, then finished with pesto, cream, Parmesan cheese, and optional cherry tomatoes for a rich and comforting meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 ounces dry pasta such as penne or rotini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauces and Cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnishes
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Garlic: In a large deep skillet or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the vegetable broth and whole milk, then add the dry pasta along with salt and black pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered. Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking, cooking for about 10 to 12 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate Cream and Pesto: Stir in the heavy cream and basil pesto until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined, coating the pasta evenly.
- Add Cheese and Optional Tomatoes: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and, if using, the halved cherry tomatoes. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Stir frequently throughout cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with extra milk; however, the sauce will be thinner.
- Using store-bought pesto saves time, but homemade pesto can elevate the flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes add a fresh burst of color and taste but are optional.
