One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, flavor-packed weeknight dinner, look no further than One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. This recipe brings together tender chicken, fragrant basil pesto, and a velvety cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta in one skillet—minimal dishes, maximum satisfaction!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is in its simple, high-impact ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to contribute big flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant color to every bite—without making life complicated.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, it bulks up the dish with juicy bites of protein.
• Butter: For rich flavor and the perfect base to sauté your chicken and garlic.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse deep, aromatic warmth throughout the pasta.
• Penne pasta: The classic, sturdy shape absorbs sauce beautifully; you can substitute with another short pasta.
• Chicken broth: Adds savory depth, helping cook the pasta and forming the backbone of the sauce.
• Milk: Lends creaminess without weighing the sauce down.
• Cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for irresistible silkiness and a subtle tang—it’s the secret to that luscious texture.
• Basil pesto: The star flavor—herby, garlicky, and vibrant; store-bought works, but homemade is always a treat.
• Grated Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty depth and thickens the sauce as it melts.
• Freshly cracked pepper: Brightens the final dish with a gentle, peppery kick.
• Crushed red pepper: Just a pinch amps up the flavor with a subtle heat—optional, but so good!
• Optional add-ins: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes: For a boost of color, nutrients, and sweet-tangy flavor.

Variations

Part of the magic of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is how easily you can switch it up to match your mood, dietary needs, or what’s left in your pantry. The core recipe is beautifully flexible—so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the chicken and swap in extra veggies like roasted red peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Try a different protein: Substitute shrimp, sausage, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a fun twist.
• Go gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your pesto is GF-friendly.
• Pump up the veggies: Add broccoli florets, peas, or artichoke hearts for even more color and nutrition.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Melt the butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sauté until it’s lightly golden on the outside—it may not be fully cooked through, but that’s just fine for now!

Step 2: Add Garlic for Flavor

While the chicken is browning, mince your garlic. Add it to the pan and sauté for about a minute, letting that wonderful aroma bloom. This step is quick but key for building rich flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Cook Pasta in Broth

Toss in your dry penne pasta along with the chicken broth. Use your spoon to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom—that’s pure flavor! Cover the skillet, crank up the heat to bring it to a boil, then lower it to a gentle simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring every couple minutes.

Step 4: Make It Creamy and Saucy

When the pasta is just tender and most of the broth is gone, pour in the milk, dollop in the cream cheese (chopped for speedy melting), and swirl in the basil pesto. Stir until everything melds together into a glossy, creamy sauce that smells absolutely divine.

Step 5: Finish & Add Extras

Stir in the Parmesan until melted and luscious. If you love a veggie boost, add in fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes now—simmer just until the spinach wilts. Top your finished One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a final flavor kick!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Your bowl of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta deserves a final flourish! Sprinkle each serving with extra Parmesan, fresh basil leaves, or a dusting of crushed red pepper. If you love texture, a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts makes for a wonderful nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta shines alongside crisp green salads with a tangy vinaigrette, or a platter of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. And let’s not forget warm, crusty bread—just right for sopping up any dreamy sauce left on your plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try twirling the pasta into individual nests on plates, topped with a pretty swirl of extra pesto and fresh basil. Or serve it family-style directly from the skillet, letting everyone help themselves—nothing says comfort like a bubbling, aromatic pot in the center of the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your leftover One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in your fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches or another no-fuss dinner!

Freezing

Due to the creamy sauce, this dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze portions for up to 2 months. Freeze in single-serve containers, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator to avoid grainy or separated sauce.

Reheating

To revive creamy texture, reheat leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or chicken broth. Stir often and heat just until warmed through, so the sauce stays smooth and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s impossible not to fall hard for One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or you’re gathering friends around your table, this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, herby, satisfying, and unbelievably simple. I hope you try it soon—and that it makes ordinary evenings feel a little more special.

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