If you’ve been craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet incredibly simple to make, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. Imagine tender chicken pieces, tender penne pasta, and a luscious sauce that combines vibrant pesto with rich cream and Parmesan cheese—all cooked up in one pot for minimal cleanup. It’s an absolute joy to make, and every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug filled with freshness and indulgence. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each component adds its own magic—juicy chicken breast brings protein and texture, pesto sauce delivers that herbaceous punch, and a combo of cream and Parmesan creates a dreamy, silky sauce that coats every penne piece perfectly.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: Choose this tube-shaped pasta to capture sauce in every nook.
- 1 pound chicken breast (diced): Tender and lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a fragrant base to sauté the chicken and garlic.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a punch of aromatic richness to the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides savory depth and moisture to cook the pasta right in the pan.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, creamy texture that makes this dish feel indulgent.
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce: The star of the flavor show, bursting with fresh basil and pine nuts.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes that enrich the sauce beautifully.
- salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to balance and enhance every ingredient.
- fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finish that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken breast, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. This seared exterior locks in juiciness and flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for now.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium in the same pan and add your minced garlic. Cook just until fragrant—around 30 seconds to 1 minute. Watch closely to avoid browning the garlic too much, as it could add bitterness. This brief step wakes up the flavors in the pan and primes the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cooking Liquid
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to merge these liquid stars. Bring the mixture to a simmer—the gentle bubbling will help to cook the pasta perfectly right in the skillet. This technique means you won’t have extra pots to wash later, and the pasta absorbs the luscious flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Cook the Penne Pasta
Submerge the penne pasta in the simmering liquid, ensuring it’s mostly covered. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta will soak up the creamy broth, resulting in tender bites laced with flavor.
Step 5: Finish with Pesto, Parmesan, and Chicken
Once your pasta is tender and the liquid nearly absorbed, stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese for that iconic creamy pesto essence. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing everything thoroughly to coat each bite with sauce and distribute the chicken evenly. Heat through so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Give the dish a final taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Don’t skip the garnish of fresh basil leaves—these bright green pieces add an inviting freshness and a burst of color that makes the dish even more irresistible. Now your Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your dish from homestyle to truly special. Fresh basil leaves are a natural choice, lending a fresh, herbal aroma and vibrant green color. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan or crack some fresh black pepper over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds a lovely contrast in textures. Garlic bread or a warm baguette makes an excellent side to soak up any leftover creamy pesto sauce, turning the meal into a full Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor when hosting, serve your Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne in individual shallow bowls with a generous swirl of extra pesto on top. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for added richness. Presentation that looks as vibrant as it tastes always makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from the Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish keeps well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the delicious flavors without missing a beat.
Freezing
This recipe freezes nicely, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, use a skillet on low heat or microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick after refrigeration. This helps revive the luscious, creamy quality of the original dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding onto the creamy pesto sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle will also work beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe without cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter but still creamy sauce. Just expect a slightly different texture and richness.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
You can, but it’s best to add pre-cooked chicken towards the end of the process to avoid drying it out. Since this is a one-pot recipe where the chicken cooks in the beginning, adjustments in timing are necessary.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is gluten-free if you use gluten-free penne pasta. Just double-check your pesto and broth labels to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or roasted zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version that still feels rich and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe enough—it’s a shining example of comfort food made simple and bright. The ease of cooking everything in one pot paired with that dreamy pesto cream sauce makes it a go-to dish for weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Try it soon, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!
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Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious one-pot creamy pesto chicken penne that combines tender, golden chicken breast with perfectly cooked penne pasta in a rich and flavorful pesto cream sauce. This easy-to-make skillet recipe takes just 35 minutes and is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the penne pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Mix in Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese until evenly combined. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir through until heated through and well combined.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Stir the pasta occasionally while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or store-bought works in a pinch.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of cream and milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
