There is nothing quite like diving into a bowl of Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe when you want a comforting yet elegant meal that comes together effortlessly. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a luscious sauce made from creamy heavy cream and vibrant pesto, all cooked in a single pot to save time and cleanup. It is a feast bursting with fresh flavors, a rich texture, and just the right touch of indulgence that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe guarantees smiles and full plates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final outcome. From the savory chicken to the creamy sauce enriched by pesto, every element is essential to deliver that perfect harmony of taste and texture.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold and mix well with the creamy pesto sauce.
- 1 pound chicken breast (diced): Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all those flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and ensures your chicken gets that lovely golden sear.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a fragrant kick that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Provides a savory base and moisture for the pasta to absorb.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its signature creamy, dreamy texture.
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce: Brings fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan notes that define the recipe’s unique flavor.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty brightness to round out the sauce perfectly.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings that make sure all flavors shine.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A colorful and aromatic finishing touch that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, then cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in the flavor and ensures tender bites of chicken throughout the dish. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic or it will turn bitter. This quick step infuses the oil with garlicky goodness that will flavor the sauce beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir gently to combine. Let the mixture come to a simmer. This creamy base is what gives the dish its smooth, comforting texture, while the broth provides a savory depth to balance the richness.
Step 4: Cook the Penne Pasta
Add the penne pasta to the skillet, pushing it down so that it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the pan and cook the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up the flavorful sauce as it cooks, making for a beautifully cohesive dish.
Step 5: Combine Pesto, Cheese, and Chicken
Once the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid, stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together until well combined and heated through. This is where all the flavors meld into a creamy, irresistible feast.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish it by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for that bright aroma and gorgeous presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe at its best.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic choice to add a pop of color and herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese for added richness or a light drizzle of olive oil to elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite satisfying on its own, but a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables make fantastic companions. Lightly dressed mixed greens or a simple Caesar salad cut through the richness beautifully. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread are also great for soaking up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with basil and a parmesan crisp on top. You could also sprinkle toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. If you’re hosting, a large, family-style platter surrounded by fresh herbs makes for a welcoming centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is creamy, it may thicken in the fridge, but a quick stir with a splash of cream or broth before reheating will bring it back to life.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of the cream sauce can change slightly once thawed. If you want to freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and use within 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently to help retain the sauce’s texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a little cream, broth, or water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and to prevent sticking or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can substitute with fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the cooking times might vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and use a dairy-free pesto and cheese substitute. The flavors will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken?
Definitely! Simply add the pre-cooked chicken back in at the end just long enough to warm it through. This shortcut makes the recipe even quicker on busy days.
How spicy is the Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe?
This recipe is mild and herbaceous, with no heat from chili or pepper flakes. If you like a little kick, you can always add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic sauté step to personalize the spice level.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat for guests?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish a few hours ahead, refrigerate, and gently reheat before serving. Just be sure to stir well and add a splash of liquid to maintain the creamy texture when warming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, sophisticated flavor, and minimal fuss, the Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe has you covered. It’s a personal favorite that never fails to impress and satisfy, whether for a weeknight meal or a casual dinner with friends. Give this recipe a try soon and enjoy the warm, creamy, pesto-infused goodness all in one pot!
Print
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 rich and creamy one-pot recipe combining tender chicken breast, penne pasta, and flavorful pesto sauce simmered together in a luscious Parmesan and cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta
Sauces & Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
Produce & Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Simmer Pasta in Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the pan. Stir gently to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the penne pasta, submerging it as much as possible in the liquid.
- Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese until well incorporated into the creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to combine and warming everything through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto sauce for the best flavor; store-bought works well in a pinch.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
- Stirring the pasta occasionally prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- This dish can be made with other pasta shapes such as rigatoni or fusilli.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely with a little added cream or broth.
