Dinner

One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

Byrami Hayes April 11, 2026April 11, 2026

Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and a rich, creamy pesto sauce, it combines wholesome ingredients into a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and clean up.

A close-up view of creamy pasta in a black pan, with flat yellow noodles coated in a thick, light yellow sauce, speckled with herbs and tiny red spices. The dish has visible green peas and green leafy pieces mixed through, with bright orange carrot slices adding pops of color. A fork in the pan lifts a bundle of noodles, showing the texture of the sauce clinging to each strand. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a wooden edge in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

250 g tagliatelle or fettuccine
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 cups fresh spinach
A handful of fresh basil leaves
3-4 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
4 tbsp green pesto
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup oat cream (or other plant cream)
1 cup vegetable stock
Salt & pepper to taste
Optional: chili flakes or vegan parmesan for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Layer ingredients in a wide pan. Add the pasta nests to the center. Arrange cherry tomatoes on one side and spinach with basil on the other. Scatter the sliced garlic over everything.
Step 2: Season and flavor. Spoon pesto onto the pasta and sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes evenly over all the ingredients.
Step 3: Pour in liquids. Add oat cream and vegetable stock until the pasta is mostly covered by the liquids.
Step 4: Cook covered. Place a lid on the pan and cook over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick. Add a splash more stock if the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is done.
Step 5: Create the sauce. Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir everything together well so the pesto, cream, and tomato juices blend into a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Finish and serve. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with an optional sprinkle of chili flakes or vegan parmesan on top.

Tips & Variations

Use any type of plant cream you like for a slightly different flavor or texture.
Add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables to boost the veggie content and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
For a non-vegan option, swap oat cream with heavy cream and add grated parmesan cheese.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable stock or plant cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving to keep the creamy texture smooth.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy pasta in a black pan, with thick fettuccine noodles coated in a yellowish, rich sauce. The sauce contains green peas, pieces of bright orange carrots, and dark green leafy vegetables streaked throughout. A fork lifts a twirl of the pasta, showing the smooth texture of the noodles and sauce clinging to them. The sauce has small red specks, likely seasoning, adding texture and color contrast. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with soft, natural lighting highlighting the creamy, thick sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use most types of dried pasta such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it cooks through in the liquid.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta instead of tagliatelle or fettuccine. Just be sure to check that your vegetable stock and pesto are also gluten-free.