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One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta Recipe

4.6 from 96 reviews

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta is a simple, flavorful, and comforting meal made with fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, spinach, and basil, cooked together with pasta in a creamy, dairy-free pesto sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it uses oat cream for richness and combines Italian herbs and garlic for a vibrant taste, all cooked effortlessly in one pan.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 250 g tagliatelle or fettuccine
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 34 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

  1. 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 and basil on the other. Scatter the thinly sliced garlic cloves evenly over the ingredients.
  2. Season and flavor: Spoon the green pesto over the pasta. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and, if using, chili flakes evenly over the entire mixture to enhance the flavors.
  3. Pour in liquids: Add the oat cream and vegetable stock to the pan until the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid. This will help cook the pasta and create a creamy sauce.
  4. Cook covered: Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Add a splash more vegetable stock if the liquid reduces too much during cooking.
  5. Create the sauce: When the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir the contents well so the pesto, cream, and tomato juices combine to form a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
  6. Finish & serve: Taste the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Serve the pasta hot, optionally topped with extra chili flakes or vegan parmesan for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use oat cream or another plant-based cream to keep this recipe vegan and dairy-free.
  • Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • If the sauce thickens too much before the pasta is cooked, add a little more vegetable stock to maintain creaminess.
  • Optional toppings like chili flakes or vegan parmesan can add extra flavor and texture.
  • This recipe is easily adaptable; use your favorite pasta or greens if desired.

Keywords: One pot pasta, creamy pesto pasta, vegan pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, dairy-free pesto sauce, easy Italian dinner