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
Scale
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.
