Hearty One-Pot Penne Creamy Basil-Garlic Sauce Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a delicious solution that combines simplicity with tantalizing flavors, and this one-pot penne with creamy basil-garlic sauce delivers precisely that.

Bursting with aromatic herbs and rich, velvety textures, the dish promises a culinary experience that feels like a gourmet restaurant moment right in your kitchen.

Fresh basil and robust garlic dance together, creating a sauce so luscious it coats every single pasta strand with incredible depth.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its effortless preparation, requiring just one pot and minimal cleanup.

creamy without being heavy, this sauce strikes a perfect balance between indulgence and freshness.

Cheese lovers will rejoice at the way parmesan melts into the silky mixture, adding a salty, nutty dimension.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again, knowing comfort and satisfaction are just minutes away.

Steps to Make Creamy Basil-Garlic Penne

Creamy Basil Penne Magic

• Crispy Breadcrumb Base

Toast panko in a skillet until golden, creating a crunchy topping. Set aside and clean the pan.

• Liquid Foundation

Combine water, yogurt, olive oil, salt, and pepper in the skillet. Stir until smooth and consistent.

• Pasta Immersion

Add penne and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally and cook for about 7 minutes until pasta starts to soften.

• Veggie Integration

Toss in frozen greens and continue cooking. Allow liquid to reduce and vegetables to become tender.

• Cheesy Finale

Remove from heat and fold in Parmesan cheese. The residual warmth will help melt the cheese and create a silky sauce.

• Serving Style

Transfer to serving bowls. Sprinkle with the reserved golden breadcrumbs and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

Cooking Notes & Variations for Basil-Garlic Penne

• Replace the European Greens with frozen spinach, mixed Mediterranean vegetables, or fresh chopped zucchini for exciting flavor variations.
• Fold in cooked shredded chicken, crispy pancetta, or sautéed shrimp to transform this dish into a heartier meal that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp pecorino, creamy goat cheese, or smoky aged cheddar to create unique taste profiles that elevate the sauce.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or incorporate fresh cracked black pepper to introduce a warming kick that complements the creamy basil base.

Serving Tips for Creamy Basil-Garlic Penne

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or crumbled feta on top for a tangy, rich cheese explosion that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken strips, crispy shrimp, or pan-seared tofu to transform this dish into a more substantial meal that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Fresh Herb Garden: Garnish with additional fresh basil, chopped chives, or a handful of arugula to bring bright, fresh flavors and a pop of green color to the plate.
• Crunchy Texture Twist: Scatter toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the breadcrumbs for an extra layer of nutty crunch that elevates the overall dining experience.

Storage and Prep Plan for Basil-Garlic Penne

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The sauce might thicken, so add a splash of water when reheating to restore creamy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Meals will stay delicious for 2-3 weeks when properly sealed, making meal prep a breeze.
• Quick Lunch Strategy: Transform remaining pasta into a cold salad by adding fresh cherry tomatoes, extra herbs, or diced grilled chicken for a quick next-day lunch option.
• Smart Portion Control: Divide the recipe into individual meal-prep containers right after cooking. This method helps manage serving sizes and creates grab-and-go meals for busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for One-Pot Penne with Creamy Basil-Garlic Sauce

• Penne Pasta: Hearty pasta that absorbs creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality dried pasta for best texture.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking pasta and creating sauce base, use filtered water for cleaner taste.

• Greek Yogurt: Adds tangy richness and creamy texture, select full-fat version for smoother consistency.
• Olive Oil: Provides silky base and depth of flavor, opt for extra virgin for best taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty umami notes, freshly grated gives most intense flavor.

• Kosher Salt: Balances and seasons entire dish, adjust to personal taste preference.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy topping for textural contrast, golden-brown crumbs provide crunch.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Brings bright, herbaceous finish, choose bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Frozen European Greens Blend: Adds nutritional boost and vegetable variety, ensures quick and easy preparation.

Cooking Tool for Basil-Garlic Penne

• 12-inch high-sided skillet or Dutch oven: Large, deep cooking pan perfect for one-pot meals.
• Wooden spoon: Essential for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Small bowl: Needed for toasting breadcrumbs and setting them aside.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.
• Paper towels: Used for wiping the skillet clean between steps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.

Silky One-Pot Penne with Basil-Garlic Sauce

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot penne with basil-garlic sauce delivers Italian comfort straight to your plate. Home cooks can savor this simple, flavor-packed meal that combines fresh ingredients with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) dried penne pasta
• 1 (12 oz/340 g) bag Whole Foods European Greens Frozen Vegetable Blend
• 3 ½ cups water
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) olive oil, divided
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 oz (28 g) Parmesan cheese
• 2 ½ tsps plus 1/8 tsp kosher salt, divided
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Crisp Panko Topping: In a skillet, golden-toast breadcrumbs with olive oil and salt until achieving a crunchy texture. Set aside in a separate bowl, then clean the skillet.
2. Liquid Base Preparation: Combine water, Greek yogurt, olive oil, salt, and black pepper, whisking into a smooth, homogeneous mixture directly in the skillet.
3. Pasta Immersion: Submerge dried penne into the liquid, ensuring complete coverage. Gently stir to prevent pasta from clumping.
4. Boiling and Cooking: Elevate heat to high, allowing liquid to reach a vigorous boil. Periodically stir with a wooden spoon to guarantee uniform cooking and prevent sticking.
5. Vegetable Integration: At the 7-minute mark, introduce frozen vegetable blend, carefully folding into pasta to maintain even distribution while continuing to cook.
6. Final Texture Development: Continue cooking until pasta achieves al dente perfection, vegetables become tender, and liquid reduces to create a luxuriously creamy sauce.
7. Cheese Incorporation: Remove from heat, fold in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a silky, rich coating for the pasta.
8. Plating and Finishing: Transfer to serving bowls, generously crown with reserved toasted breadcrumbs and freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.

Notes

• Breadcrumb Technique: Toast panko in a dry skillet until golden brown for maximum crunch and nutty flavor, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
• Liquid Ratio Matters: Whisk Greek yogurt and water carefully to create a smooth base that helps pasta cook evenly and develop a creamy texture.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Stir periodically and ensure pasta is fully submerged to achieve uniform al dente consistency without sticking or uneven cooking.
• Finishing Touch: Add Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent separation and create a silky, luxurious sauce that coats each pasta strand perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg