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Creamy Pesto Veggie Pasta

Easy Creamy Pesto Veggie Pasta That Hooks Your Taste Buds

This Creamy Pesto Veggie Pasta combines fresh veggies with a rich, herb-packed pesto sauce for a quick weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Veggie Medley
  • 1 medium Zucchini adds a tender, mild crunch
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes burst with sweet juiciness
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper brings vibrant color and subtle sweetness
  • 2 cups Spinach wilts down quickly for greens
For the Creamy Pesto Sauce
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto delivering an herbaceous, garlicky punch
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream melts the pesto into a luscious coating
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese adds salty, umami richness
  • 2 cloves Garlic infuses with savory undertone
For the Pasta Base
  • 8 ounces Penne or Fusilli perfect shapes for trapping sauce
  • 4 quarts Salted Water essential for cooking pasta

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • skillet
  • whisk
  • slotted spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente.
  2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the noodles thoroughly.
  3. Warm heavy cream in a skillet over medium heat until it begins to shimmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Whisk in basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
  5. Sauté minced garlic in olive oil for about 30 seconds. Then add zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4–5 minutes.
  6. Stir in spinach for 1–2 minutes until bright green and tender.
  7. Combine drained pasta with the creamy pesto sauce and veggies. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
  8. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1700IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.

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