If you’re looking for a simple and tasty weeknight dinner, this pesto chicken pasta recipe is just the thing. It mixes creamy flavors with the delicious taste of pesto, making a dish the whole family can enjoy.
This recipe fixes hectic weeknights by delivering a quick one pot meal with minimal cleanup and creamy pesto chicken pasta for reliable family meals.
Sometimes, cooking can feel overwhelming, especially with special dietary needs. But this recipe is easy to whip up, and it comes together in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! Plus, it saves time by cooking the pasta right in the same pot as everything else.
What I love about this recipe is how quick it is, prepping only takes about 5 minutes, and you can have it on the table in 25 minutes total. It’s a great fix when you’re short on time or need something satisfying after a long day. Just keep stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking and to bring out those tasty flavors in the chicken.
If you want something to serve alongside this dish, or if you’re in the mood for a different flavor, check out this Green Goddess Pasta Salad. It’s a fresh option that fits well with many meals!
Table of contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy Texture: This dish has a satisfying creaminess that coats every bite, making it comforting and hearty without being too heavy.
- Savory Flavor Combination: The blend of basil pesto, garlic, and chicken creates a savory depth that’s both delicious and irresistible. You’ll want to go back for seconds.
- Quick and Easy Prep: The one-pot nature means you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Flexible Storage: You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days, and reheating is a breeze, just add a splash of broth to keep it nice and creamy.
One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cool Time: N/A
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and creamy pesto chicken pasta dish made in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, fresh
- 2 Tbsp (30g) butter, unsalted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lb. (225g) penne pasta
- 1.5 cups (360ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) milk, whole recommended
- 3 oz. (85g) cream cheese
- 1/3 cup (80g) basil pesto
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan
- freshly cracked pepper, to taste
- pinch crushed red pepper, to taste
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup (40g) sliced sun dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Brown Chicken Pieces: Start by browning the chicken in your pot until it is golden and delicious. You will know it is ready when you can smell that savory aroma filling your kitchen. This step adds depth to the overall flavor, so do not skip it. Just watch that it does not burn!
- Stir in Pesto: Once your chicken is browned, mix in the pesto until everything is coated. You will notice the vibrant green color dancing with the chicken; it is such a pretty sight! The pesto’s aroma will start to blossom, which is what you want. Be careful not to add too much at once, or it can become overwhelming.
- Add Pasta and Liquid: Toss in your pasta and pour in enough liquid to cover it. As you do this, listen for the satisfying splash and watch as it all bubbles up. This helps the pasta absorb all those tasty flavors. Just make sure you have enough liquid; dry pasta can stick together if it is not covered.
- Simmer Gently: Let everything simmer away until the pasta is tender and the sauce thickens nicely. You will see bubbles rise slowly, and you might catch a whiff of the fragrant mix. This is where the magic happens. If you crank the heat too high, you will end up with pasta that is unevenly cooked.
- Stir in Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream for a rich texture. It will coat everything beautifully, turning a simple meal into something special. The sauce should look glossy, and it should smell heavenly! Make sure you mix it thoroughly or you will have some bites with too much sauce and others that are dry.
- Let Rest Before Serving: Allow your dish to rest for a few minutes before you serve it up. This lets all those flavors marry together, making every bite tasty. You might want to just make sure it does not cool down too much, or it may thicken up more than you’d like!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with extra broth to loosen the sauce.
- Expert Tips: If the pasta seems sticky, remember to stir it every few minutes and maintain a gentle simmer throughout cooking to keep it loose.
- When reheating leftover sauce, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk works wonders to restore its consistency.
- If your chicken is not cooking evenly, try cutting it into small, uniform pieces to ensure it cooks through at the same rate.
- For a creamier sauce, incorporating extra cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a nice richness without the overload.
- If the flavors seem muted, a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper can really brighten up the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 748.68
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1099.28mg
- Fat: 41.53g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52.55g
- Fiber: 4.1g
- Protein: 41.75g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Ingredient Notes
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: This is the star of the dish! Choose fresh chicken for the best flavor, and feel free to swap it out with turkey if you want something leaner.
- Butter: I like to use butter for that rich, creamy base. Go for unsalted butter, so you can control the seasoning. You could use olive oil if you want a lighter option.
- Garlic: It brings so much depth! Fresh minced garlic works wonders here, but you can totally use garlic powder in a pinch if that’s what you’ve got.
- Penne pasta: Its shape holds the creamy sauce wonderfully. If you’re out of penne, try rigatoni or even spaghetti, it’ll still come together nicely.
- Chicken broth: This adds a savory depth to the dish. Homemade is great, but store-bought works just as well. Vegetable broth is a solid alternative too!
- Milk: This is needed for creaminess. Whole milk gives the best results, but you can use any milk you have on hand, including non-dairy alternatives.
- Cream cheese: It adds that rich texture and helps create the sauce. If you want a lighter version, go for Greek yogurt instead, just stir it in at the end!
- Basil pesto: This is what makes the dish pop! Find a good quality store-bought one or make your own if you’ve got fresh basil. You can swap it with sun-dried tomato pesto if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of this adds flavor and a bit of saltiness. Opt for freshly grated if you can. You could use Pecorino Romano as a substitute if needed!
- Freshly cracked pepper: It adds a nice kick to the dish. Use your grinder for the best texture. You can also leave it out if you prefer things milder.
- Crushed red pepper: This gives a little heat. Just a pinch is all you need, but you can skip it if you’re not into spicy food.
- Fresh spinach (optional): Adds a nice color and texture! If you can’t find fresh, go for frozen chopped spinach, just thaw and squeeze out the excess water.
- Sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional): They add a tangy sweetness that really complements the whole dish. If you don’t have any, roasted red peppers would be a tasty stand-in!
Recipe Tips
- If the pasta seems sticky, remember to stir it every few minutes and maintain a gentle simmer throughout cooking to keep it loose.
- When reheating leftover sauce, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk works wonders to restore its consistency.
- If your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, try cutting it into small, uniform pieces to ensure it cooks through at the same rate.
- For a creamier sauce, incorporating extra cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds a nice richness without the overload.
- If the flavors seem muted, a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper can really brighten up the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pesto chicken pasta with homemade garlic bread for dipping or pair it with a green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. Roasted carrots or balsamic mushrooms complement this dish nicely and add variety to the meal.
This recipe also works well in a layered pasta bake or as a filling for stuffed peppers. You can repurpose the leftovers as a pasta salad or add them to a wrap for a different meal.
A drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can finish this dish. For an extra flavor boost, add fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
Recipe variations
- You can use bowtie or rotini pasta instead of penne for a different shape and texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.
- Either sauté mushrooms or incorporate bell peppers for more vegetables, adding nutritional value and variety to your meal.
- If you’re cooking for a larger group, double all ingredients, using 2 lbs. chicken and 1 lb. pasta for a satisfying amount. Check out the Sausage and Mushroom Pasta for more inspiration!
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How to Store?
To keep your pesto chicken pasta fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with extra broth.
Freezing: Wrap the pasta tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
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