Quick One-Pot Penne with Creamy Basil-Garlic Sauce Recipe

One-pot penne dishes convert weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Comfort meets convenience in this culinary magic that promises deliciousness without complicated techniques.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that simplify their evening routine while delivering outstanding taste.

The creamy basil-garlic sauce brings remarkable depth to each pasta bite, creating a restaurant-quality experience right at your kitchen counter.

Pantry staples become the secret weapons in crafting this simple yet sophisticated dinner solution.

Fresh herbs and rich ingredients elevate an otherwise ordinary pasta preparation into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques merge with practical cooking approaches to create a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Flavor Guide for Creamy Basil-Garlic Penne

• Simplify Cooking: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple pans and complicated steps, making weeknight dinner a breeze with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Creamy Comfort Meets Fresh Herbs: The combination of Greek yogurt and Parmesan creates a luxuriously smooth sauce, while fresh basil adds bright, aromatic notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal: Ready in under 15 minutes, this recipe packs a punch with frozen vegetables and protein-rich ingredients, delivering a balanced meal that's perfect for busy families or solo diners looking for a satisfying dinner.
• Textural Delight: Crispy golden panko breadcrumbs provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta, adding an unexpected and exciting layer of texture to each bite.

What You’ll Need for Creamy Penne

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, choose dried pasta for best texture.
• Water: Essential liquid for cooking pasta and creating sauce base.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tangy flavor, plain variety works best.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor, provides essential seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides rich, savory flavor, freshly grated recommended.

• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps develop flavors, use good quality.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates crunchy topping, provides textural contrast.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, herbal garnish that elevates the final dish.
• European Greens Frozen Vegetable Blend: Adds nutrition and color, convenient frozen option.

Steps for One-Pot Creamy Basil Penne

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and salt, stirring occasionally until golden brown. Transfer to a small bowl and wipe the skillet clean.

Step 2: Create Sauce Base

• Water
• Greek yogurt
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients until well mixed.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Add dried penne to the sauce base. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon for 7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

• Pasta reaches al dente texture
• Liquid is almost completely absorbed
• Vegetables become tender

Step 5: Finish and Serve

• Prepared breadcrumbs
• Chopped fresh basil leaves (optional)

Enjoy your creamy, one-pot pasta dish!

Easy Tips for Creamy Garlic Penne

• Toast Breadcrumbs Perfectly: Keep a close eye on panko while toasting and stir frequently to prevent burning, ensuring a golden-brown color and crunchy texture.
• Control Liquid Absorption: Stir pasta occasionally during cooking to help it absorb water evenly and prevent sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
• Choose Quality Yogurt: Select thick, creamy Greek yogurt for a richer sauce and smoother consistency in the final dish.
• Maximize Fresh Herb Flavor: Add chopped basil leaves just before serving to maintain their bright color and intense aromatic qualities.
• Achieve Ideal Pasta Texture: Cook pasta until al dente, allowing it to retain a slight firmness while ensuring vegetables are perfectly tender.

Storage Tips for Leftover Basil-Garlic Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for the best quality and taste.
• Reheat: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
• Revive Texture: Sprinkle fresh breadcrumbs and chopped basil on top after reheating to restore the original crispy and fresh flavor profile.

Dishes That Pair with Creamy Garlic Penne

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the creamy basil-garlic sauce with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness and enhance the dish's herbaceous notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Sidekick: Create a perfect accompaniment by toasting a baguette with garlic butter. The crispy texture matches the crunchy breadcrumbs and provides an extra layer of flavor.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, bright contrast to the creamy pasta. The salad's lightness balances the hearty one-pot meal and adds a clean, fresh element.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve with lemon-infused sparkling water. The bubbles and citrus notes will cleanse the palate between bites and refresh the dining experience.

Ways to Customize Creamy Basil-Garlic Pasta

• Garden Veggie Fusion: Swap the frozen vegetable blend with fresh seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant, farm-fresh flavor profile.
• Protein Power Pack: Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp to transform the dish into a hearty, protein-rich meal that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Spicy Mediterranean Style: Incorporate red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese to give the pasta a zesty, Mediterranean-inspired kick that tantalizes taste buds.
• Vegan Creamy Alternative: Replace Greek yogurt with cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a plant-based version that maintains the original's creamy texture.

One-Pot Penne with Creamy Basil-Garlic Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy basil-garlic penne delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with minimal cleanup. Simple ingredients blend into a luscious sauce that wraps pasta in herbal richness, letting you savor maximum flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) dried penne pasta
• 1 (12-ounce/340 grams) bag Whole Foods European Greens Frozen Vegetable Blend
• 3 ½ cups water

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 ounce (28 grams) Parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, divided

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 ½ teaspoons plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
• Chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of salt until they transform into a golden, crispy coating. Transfer to a separate bowl and clean the skillet.
2. Pour water, Greek yogurt, remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Whisk the ingredients into a smooth, uniform liquid.
3. Add dried penne pasta to the liquid mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is submerged. Stir gently to prevent sticking.
4. Increase heat to high and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Cook uncovered, stirring periodically with a wooden spoon to promote even cooking.
5. After 7 minutes, introduce the frozen vegetable blend into the skillet. Gently fold the vegetables into the pasta, maintaining an even distribution.
6. Continue cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, vegetables become tender, and most liquid evaporates, creating a creamy consistency.
7. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a silky sauce.
8. Plate the pasta in individual serving bowls, generously sprinkling the reserved toasted breadcrumbs on top.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Elevate your one-pot pasta game with this creamy, hassle-free meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 20 minutes.
• Toasting panko breadcrumbs before adding them creates a delightful golden crunch that transforms the dish’s texture and adds gourmet sophistication.
• Greek yogurt ensures a luxuriously smooth sauce without heavy cream, keeping the recipe lighter and tangier than traditional pasta dishes.
• Frozen vegetable blends are convenient time-savers that boost nutrition and add vibrant color to your meal with minimal prep work.
• The combination of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil provides a classic Italian flavor profile that elevates this simple one-pot wonder.
• Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents pasta from sticking and ensures even cooking and sauce distribution throughout the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 455
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 608 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg