Some recipes come from long afternoons experimenting in the kitchen… and others are born on those busy days when you just need something delicious without the fuss. This creamy pesto dish came from one of those moments — a day when time was short, but the craving for comfort food was strong.
I remember standing at the counter, staring at a jar of pesto and wondering if I could turn it into something extra cozy without pulling out every pot I owned. With a little creativity, one pot, and a few simple ingredients, this silky, flavor-packed sauce came to life. Since then, it’s become one of my favorite “save the day” meals.
What I love most is how “Maison Recipes” recipes always circle back to the same idea: home cooking should feel comforting, uncomplicated, and joyful. This One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce embodies that perfectly — rich, bright, herby, and so easy that anyone can make it, even on the busiest weeknight.
Why Make This Recipe
Here’s why this one-pot creamy pesto will quickly become a staple:
- Only one pot required — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Quick and easy — the sauce comes together in under 20 minutes.
- Comforting and flavorful — creamy, cheesy, herby, and satisfying.
- Versatile — toss with pasta, chicken, shrimp, veggies, or use as a dipping sauce.
- Customizable — make it lighter, richer, or dairy-free with simple swaps.
- Perfect for busy nights — tastes gourmet with pantry ingredients.
If you love sauces that feel luxurious but are incredibly simple, this recipe is just right for you.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup jarred or homemade pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
- Optional garnish: fresh basil, extra Parmesan
Directions
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
- In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds — be careful not to brown it.
Step 2: Add Broth and Milk
- Pour in the broth and milk or cream.
- Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add the Pesto
Whisk in the pesto until the sauce turns smooth, creamy, and bright green.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan
- Stir in the grated Parmesan.
- Keep stirring until melted and silky.
- Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 5: Simmer and Serve
Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Use immediately over pasta, chicken, vegetables, or store for later.
How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce
This sauce pairs beautifully with:
- Pasta — spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or tortellini
- Chicken — grilled, baked, or pan-seared
- Vegetables — zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms, broccoli
- Shrimp — lightly sautéed or grilled
- Potatoes — roasted or mashed
- Rice or quinoa bowls
- Sandwiches or wraps — as a spread
It’s a versatile sauce that instantly elevates simple ingredients into something deliciously comforting.
How to Store One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or milk.
- Freeze: Freeze up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make the Best Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Use fresh pesto if possible. It gives brighter flavor, but jarred pesto works wonderfully.
- Don’t boil the sauce. A gentle simmer keeps it creamy and smooth.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and prevents graininess.
- Adjust thickness. Add more broth for a thinner sauce, more Parmesan for a thicker one.
- Add veggies or protein. Make it a complete one-pot meal by stirring in cooked pasta, chicken, or vegetables.
Variations
- Light version: Use whole milk instead of cream.
- Extra creamy: Add 2 oz cream cheese.
- Veggie-packed: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas.
- Spicy: Add 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.
- Dairy-free: Use coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Lemon basil twist: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.
FAQs
1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk.
2. Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes — it makes the sauce even more flavorful and aromatic.
3. Can I add pasta directly to the sauce?
Yes! Add dry pasta with extra broth and cook until tender for a true one-pot pasta dish.
4. Will the sauce thicken as it cools?
Yes, it naturally thickens. Add extra milk or broth when reheating to loosen.
Conclusion
This One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce is the kind of recipe that makes weeknights easier and meals cozier. With just a few simple ingredients, you get a velvety, flavorful sauce that turns ordinary pasta or protein into something beautifully satisfying. I hope this becomes one of those recipes you reach for again and again — simple, comforting, and always delicious.
Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, pesto-packed bite!
One Pot Creamy Pesto Sauce
Equipment
- Large Pot or Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup pesto jarred or homemade
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- red pepper flakes optional, pinch
Optional Garnish
- fresh basil
- extra Parmesan
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the broth and milk or cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk in the pesto until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and bright green.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and silky. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Serve immediately or store for later use.