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Creamy Pesto One Pot Pasta Recipes for Easy Dinners

There are nights when the clock hits seven, and my stomach grumbles louder than my willpower. That’s exactly when one pot pasta recipes save the day. You toss in pasta, a creamy pesto sauce, and let it all come together in one pot—no juggling pans, no mountain of dishes, just pure comfort. I’ve always had a soft spot for One Pot Pasta Meals, mostly because I hate cleaning up. Who wants to scrub five different pans after dinner? With this recipe, you get silky pasta, fresh basil, and a rich, herby sauce clinging to every bite. It’s like a hug in a bowl, only with fewer calories than actual hugs. If you’re looking for One Pot Dinner Ideas that feel cozy but don’t take hours, this is your friend. I call it my midweek miracle because it falls under Easy One Pot Dinners and one of those One Pot Dinner Recipes that my family actually requests on repeat. Quick, creamy, and fuss-free—this is one of those One Pot Recipes that makes dinner feel like less of a chore and more of a reward.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, Easy One Pot Dinners, easy pasta dinners, One Pot Dinner Ideas, One Pot Dinner Recipes, One Pot Pasta Meals, one pot pasta recipes, one-pot recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Pour in the broth, cream, and pesto. Stir until combined and bring to a gentle simmer.
  3. Add the pasta directly into the pot. Stir to coat and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened, stir in Parmesan cheese.
  5. Taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve warm with fresh basil sprinkled on top.