One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe
This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and vibrant pesto in a luscious creamy sauce. Made in just one pan, this recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal that’s both satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients. The use of oat cream makes it a great plant-based option, ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets.
- Author: rami
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Pasta and Vegetables
- 250 g tagliatelle or fettuccine
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
Flavorings and Sauce
- 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
- Layer ingredients in a wide pan: Place the pasta nests in the center of a wide pan. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on one side and the fresh spinach along with basil leaves on the other side. Scatter the thinly sliced garlic evenly over the ingredients.
- Season and flavor: Spoon the green pesto generously over the pasta. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and if desired, chili flakes over all the ingredients to create depth of flavor.
- Pour in liquids: Add the oat cream and vegetable stock into the pan until the pasta is mostly covered. This liquid base will help cook the pasta and form a creamy sauce.
- Cook covered: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta cooks, add a splash more vegetable stock.
- Create the sauce: Once the pasta is cooked al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir everything together so that the pesto, cream, and tomato juices combine into a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, topped with chili flakes or vegan parmesan for extra flavor, if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute oat cream with any other plant-based cream or dairy cream if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine before cooking the pasta.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan during cooking.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free version.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of vegetable stock or water.
Keywords: one pot, creamy pesto pasta, vegan pasta, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, plant-based, stovetop pasta, Italian pasta, oat cream pasta