If you are on the hunt for a comforting yet vibrant pasta dish that combines ease with gourmet flair, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender bites of golden chicken mingling with al dente penne, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy pesto sauce that’s bursting with fresh basil and Parmesan goodness. Best of all, this recipe keeps cleanup minimal by using a single pot, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy green hue that makes this dish shine.
- 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy pesto sauce in every nook.
- 1 pound chicken breast (diced): Provides lean protein with a tender bite that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and is perfect for cooking the chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch that awakens your palate.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates a savory base that cooks the pasta while deepening the flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings the luscious creaminess that transforms this pasta from good to indulgent.
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce: The star ingredient packed with fresh basil, pine nuts, and cheese to brighten the dish.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors in harmony.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): A fresh, aromatic touch that elevates presentation and taste.
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. Add your diced chicken, seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Let the chicken brown nicely and cook through, about 5 to 7 minutes, ensuring a golden crust forms which adds flavor and texture. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. This simple step guarantees juicy chicken that will be the heart of your meal.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
With the pan still hot, reduce heat to medium and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just 30 seconds to 1 minute until its aroma fills the kitchen. Be careful not to burn it because burnt garlic brings bitterness. This fragrant base sets the tone for the sauce you’ll build next.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce and Cook Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, gently stirring to combine all the savory liquids. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add the penne pasta, pressing it down to submerge as much as possible. Cover the pan and let the pasta cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking and to help the pasta absorb all those rich flavors.
Step 4: Add Pesto, Cheese, and Chicken
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing everything until it’s heated through and beautifully combined. This step ensures every bite is loaded with that creamy, herbal, cheesy goodness.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Give your dish a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its creamiest and most vibrant.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves not only brighten the plate but also enhance the herbal notes of the pesto. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil can also add a lovely finishing touch that impresses guests and delights family alike.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are also excellent choices that help scoop up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and top with a few whole basil leaves and a twist of freshly ground black pepper. Alternatively, offer individual ramekins sprinkled with toasted pine nuts for added crunch and an eye-catching element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers of this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
Freezing
While freezing this dish is possible, keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing. If you decide to freeze, do so before adding fresh basil garnish and use freezer-safe containers, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to restore creaminess without curdling. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce wonderfully, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will also work great and offer different textures.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the chicken and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes to enjoy a vegetarian version of this creamy pesto pasta.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Definitely. Store-bought pesto works well here and saves time, but using homemade pesto will elevate the flavor even more if you want to impress.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you prefer a little kick, you can add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic for subtle heat.
What type of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano is ideal for the best flavor and melting quality, but pre-grated cheese can be used in a pinch for convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (One Pot) Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and looks stunning on the dinner table without any fuss. Its balance of fresh pesto flavor with creamy comfort and tender chicken makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a new favorite in your regular dinner rotation!
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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
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a comforting and flavorful one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast, penne pasta cooked in a rich mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream, and finished with vibrant pesto sauce and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it makes for a quick and delicious dinner option with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Pasta and Poultry
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Flavorings and Garnishes
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a 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: Lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same pan, and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not burn.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the penne pasta, pressing it down so 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.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything thoroughly, heating through.
- Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat alternative.
- Use gluten-free penne to make this dish gluten-free.
- To add more vegetables, consider stirring in spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
