This is the pasta that has taken social media by storm with over 80 million views worldwide—my famous Creamy Pesto One Pan Pasta! It’s a simple, flavor-packed recipe that cooks everything in just one pan, saving you time in the kitchen while delivering a restaurant-worthy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners at home, or when you just need a quick and satisfying comfort dish, this recipe proves that homemade pasta doesn’t need to be complicated.
The Secret: Toasting Pasta in a Pan
What makes this recipe so special is the cooking method. Instead of boiling pasta in water, the dry noodles are lightly toasted in a skillet before being simmered in flavorful chicken broth. This technique gives the pasta an extra nutty depth of flavor and helps the noodles absorb every bit of richness from the broth. Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, it’s finished with creamy sauce and herby pesto for a vibrant, fresh taste.
Flavorful Toppings and Variations
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—you can mix and match toppings depending on your mood or what you have on hand. Stir in sautéed mushrooms, roasted cherry tomatoes, or wilted spinach for extra veggies. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for more protein, or keep it simple and let the pesto shine on its own. Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for the perfect finishing touch.
Quick, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing
Not only is this pasta flavorful, but it’s also incredibly quick to make. From start to finish, you’ll have a steaming bowl of creamy pesto pasta on the table in about 30 minutes. Plus, because it’s a one pan recipe, cleanup is a breeze. For best results, I recommend using a nonstick or ceramic pan—I personally love the Caraway Nonstick Ceramic 10.5-inch Fry Pan (you can find it on Amazon for around $95), which helps the pasta cook evenly without sticking.
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or cooking for a group of friends, this Creamy Pesto One Pan Pasta is sure to be a hit. With its silky sauce, bold flavors, and easy prep, it’s no wonder this recipe has gone viral.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or extra cream to loosen up the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to keep the pasta moist.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended for cream-based pastas as the sauce may separate. If you’d like to freeze it, do so without the cream and stir fresh cream into the reheated pasta just before serving.
Perfect Pairings with Creamy Pesto One Pan Pasta
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping into the sauce
- A glass of white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or broccoli for extra texture and nutrients
Creamy Pesto One Pan Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil may need to add more after adding pasta to fully coat noodles
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups ditalini pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup cream
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pesto
Instructions
- On medium heat, add 4 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp minced garlic to a nonstick fry pan.
- Once garlic has begun to brown, add in 2 cups small shells (uncooked) and coat in oil/garlic.
- Stir occasionally until pasta becomes toasted.
- In the same pan, pour in 2 1/2 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil
- Once chicken broth is almost fully absorbed, add 2 tbsp (slabs) butter and 1 cup cream.
- Stirring occasionally, allow the broth/cream mixture to thicken around the pasta. Add in 1/2 cup pesto and salt & pepper to taste.
