If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug but is quick and fuss-free, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe. It’s the ultimate weeknight winner combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce all cooked together in one pot. This recipe seamlessly brings together bold basil pesto, rich creaminess, and savory Parmesan into a delightful ensemble that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal offers that irresistible restaurant-quality flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here is a simple superstar that plays a vital role in making this dish sing. From the hearty chicken breast providing protein to the pesto adding vibrant, herbaceous notes, everything works together for a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto that creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 pound chicken breast (diced): Lean and tender, perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and ensures the chicken browns nicely.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Builds the base of the sauce, enhancing savory notes with moisture.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess and velvety texture.
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce: Bursting with fresh basil and pine nuts, the star flavor of the dish.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A bright, fresh finish that adds color and aroma.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; you want the oil shimmering but not smoking. Add your diced chicken breast, seasoning it just lightly with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors. Cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatic Garlic
Don’t clean the pan – all those lovely browned bits from the chicken build flavor! Lower the heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté gently for 30 seconds to a minute until you’re hit with that unmistakable garlicky aroma. Be careful not to burn it because burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce Base and Cook the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine the liquids. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the penne pasta, pressing it down to submerge as much as possible. Cover your skillet with a lid and let the pasta cook steadily for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help it absorb all the creamy goodness.
Step 4: Bring It All Together with Pesto, Parmesan, and Chicken
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened, stir in the vibrant pesto sauce along with the grated Parmesan cheese, which adds that perfect salty, nutty punch. Add your cooked chicken back to the skillet and gently mix everything until it’s heated through and the sauce clings beautifully to the penne.
Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Garnish
At this point, give your dish a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to your personal liking. Then finish with a handful of fresh basil leaves for a pop of green, freshness, and an extra layer of aroma. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are perfect for both flavor and color, but you can also sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan or even toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top adds a glossy finish and subtle richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads for a light contrast, garlic bread to mop up every bite of creamy sauce, or even some steamed green beans or asparagus to add a welcome touch of crispness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, consider serving it in a beautiful shallow bowl or rustic cast-iron skillet straight from the stove. If you’re feeling fancy, add a parmesan tuile or a lemon wedge on the side to brighten the rich flavors just before eating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid condensation buildup.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but because of the cream, texture might change slightly. For best results, freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick. Microwaving is fine too, but do it in short intervals stirring in between to heat evenly and keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the creamy pesto sauce, fusilli, rotini, or farfalle would also work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed depending on the pasta shape.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to keep the dish hearty and flavorful while staying vegetarian.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind this may slightly reduce the richness and thickness of the sauce.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate the diced chicken briefly with a little garlic, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking, or season it generously with your favorite spices before browning to boost the depth of flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking during cooking?
Stir the pasta every few minutes while it cooks and ensure it’s submerged in the sauce. The occasional stirring helps distribute heat evenly and prevents clumping.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe is a total game changer for busy cooks who want something comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness. Give it a try soon and watch it become one of your favorites to revisit time and again!
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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
Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken breast, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers creamy texture and vibrant basil flavors all in one skillet.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds to one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add penne pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Cover the skillet and simmer 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.
- Incorporate Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Return Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Stirring the pasta periodically while cooking prevents it from sticking to the pan.
- Fresh pesto is recommended for the best flavor, but store-bought works well in a pinch.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
