Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Rich, velvety, and packed with flavor, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and a luscious pesto-infused sauce, each bite brings the warmth of Italian-inspired flavors. Even better? It all comes together in under 30 minutes in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
This dish balances the creamy and tangy notes of cream cheese and Parmesan with the herbaceous aroma of basil pesto, creating a harmony that’s irresistible. Perfectly cooked pasta soaks up the sauce, while optional add-ins like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes elevate the recipe with extra color, nutrition, and texture.
If you’re looking for a comforting and easy dinner option that will impress your taste buds, this creamy pesto chicken pasta delivers. Dive into this one-pot wonder and savor the ease of a fuss-free, flavorful meal that satisfies the whole family.
Key Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Chicken Breast – The cubed chicken breast adds protein, bringing a hearty element to balance the creamy pasta.
- Penne Pasta – This sturdy pasta holds its shape and absorbs the sauce, making each bite rich and flavorful.
- Butter – Adds a touch of richness and helps brown the chicken for a delicious base.
- Chicken Broth – Creates a flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta, enhancing the dish’s savory notes.
- Basil Pesto – Infuses the dish with bold, herbaceous flavor, balancing the creaminess with fresh, aromatic basil.
- Milk – Contributes to the creamy consistency, blending perfectly with the pesto and cheeses.
- Cream Cheese – This provides a velvety texture and slight tang that rounds out the pesto’s bold flavors.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce for a perfect finish.
- Garlic – Aromatic garlic enhances the dish’s savory notes, giving it that classic Italian touch.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper and Crushed Red Pepper – Optional seasonings to add warmth and a bit of heat for extra flavor.
How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- In a deep skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add cubed chicken. Cook, stirring until the chicken is golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked penne pasta, stirring to release any browned bits from the skillet. Cover, raise the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce to medium-low, remove the lid, and stir. Replace the lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 8 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Pour in the milk, add cubed cream cheese, and the basil pesto. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix well. Add optional spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Season with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Check Pasta Texture: Stir the pasta every few minutes as it simmers to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Adjust Creaminess: For a richer texture, add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
- Customizable Add-ins: Try sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.
- Fresh Basil Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil over the top for a fresh, aromatic finish.
Recipe Variations
This one-pot pasta can be adapted in many ways. For a veggie-forward version, add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. To make it extra cheesy, sprinkle mozzarella on top before serving, letting it melt in the warm pasta. Swap the chicken for shrimp or sausage for a different protein option, or add roasted red peppers for a hint of sweetness.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy pesto chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid freezing, as the dairy elements may separate, affecting the sauce’s consistency. Enjoy within a few days for the best flavor!
Enjoy the comfort of a homemade, restaurant-quality pasta meal—all in a single pot!
Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup milk
- 3 oz. cream cheese cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Freshly cracked pepper to taste
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper optional
Optional Add-Ins:
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes sliced
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. In a deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown on the outside.
- As the chicken cooks, mince the garlic. Add the garlic to the skillet with the browned chicken and sauté for an additional minute.
- Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring well to release any browned bits at the bottom. Cover the skillet with a lid, raise the heat to medium-high, and bring the broth to a boil.
- Once boiling, remove the lid, stir the pasta, and lower the heat to medium-low. Replace the lid and allow the pasta to simmer, stirring every two minutes, until tender and most of the broth is absorbed—about 8 minutes in total.
- When the pasta is tender, pour in the milk and add the cubed cream cheese and pesto. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese has melted smoothly into the sauce.
- Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until well combined. If including, add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring gently until the spinach wilts.
- Season with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.