Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 Tbsp butter; 3 oz. cream cheese; 1 cup milk; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 lb. penne pasta; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 2 cloves garlic; Freshly cracked pepper; 1 pinch crushed red pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 40 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting meal that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors all in one pan, then you are going to adore this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and fresh spinach all cloaked in a dreamy pesto cream sauce. The magic is in how everything comes together in a single pot, making mealtime simple, speedy, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A shiny metal pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a mix of light yellow penne pasta and small pieces of white chicken scattered evenly through the dish. A black spatula with a silver handle is resting inside the pan, partly lifting some pasta. The pasta pieces are smooth and slightly glossy, showing a cooked texture, while the chicken pieces are soft and irregular in shape. The pan handle stretches out to the left side of the image, and the lighting highlights the slight shine on the pasta and chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each contributing something special that elevates the dish. From the buttery chicken to the vibrant pesto and fresh greens, every component plays a role in delivering taste, texture, and eye-catching color.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides tender, flavorful protein that cooks quickly and soaks up all the sauce.
2 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that irresistible savory base.
2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth that wakes up the whole dish.
1/2 lb. penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto the creamy sauce and offer hearty bite.
1.5 cups chicken broth: Builds flavor and cooks the pasta without needing multiple pots.
1 cup milk: Creates a velvety texture when combined with the cream cheese.
3 oz. cream cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature creamy indulgence.
1/3 cup basil pesto: Infuses the dish with fresh herbal brightness and a punch of umami.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty notes while thickening the sauce perfectly.
Freshly cracked pepper: Provides a mild spice contrast and enhances all the flavors.
1 pinch crushed red pepper: Offers a subtle kick to balance the richness (optional but recommended!).
3 cups fresh spinach: Adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly earthy note that lighten things up.
1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes: Brings a sweet tang and chewy texture for extra complexity.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces — about 1 inch each makes them cook evenly. Melt the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Sear the chicken until its edges turn golden and slightly browned, which locks in flavor and creates a tasty base for the sauce.

Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma

While the chicken cooks, mince your garlic cloves finely. Add the garlic to the skillet with the sizzling chicken and sauté for about one minute. This brief cooking releases the garlic’s fragrance without burning it, blending beautifully with the buttery chicken aroma.

Step 3: Introduce Pasta and Broth

Next, add the uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet along with the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to lift those browned bits off the bottom — this adds extra depth of flavor. Cover with a lid and crank the heat up to medium-high until the broth comes to a rolling boil. This step cooks your pasta right in the sauce, saving you extra pots.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta Until Tender

Once boiling, quickly stir the pasta then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer, stirring gently every two minutes, so it cooks evenly without sticking. After about 8 minutes, your pasta should be tender and most of the broth absorbed, perfectly ready for the creamy transformation.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Pesto

With the pasta cooked, stir in the milk, cream cheese chunks, and basil pesto. Heat over medium and keep stirring until the cream cheese completely melts into a silky, luscious sauce. Finish by adding grated Parmesan, stirring it all together until the sauce thickens and coats every piece of pasta and chicken beautifully.

Step 6: Add Greens and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Finally, toss in the fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down, bringing vibrant color and a fresh note. Season with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper for that perfect hint of warmth. Your One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is ready to serve!

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a large stainless steel pan filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with green spinach leaves and pieces of chicken. The pasta is coated evenly with a smooth, light cream sauce that has a slightly yellowish-white color. Dark red bits of sun-dried tomatoes are scattered throughout, giving a contrast to the pale pasta. On the right side, a wooden spoon with creamy sauce residue rests inside the pan, leaning against the edge. The pan is on a white marbled surface with faint grey veins. The overall look is warm and inviting with light and shadow highlighting the creamy texture on the noodles and the bright green spinach leaves. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few fresh basil leaves, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can make this dish look and taste even more special. These simple garnishes add a fresh, bright finish to the rich pasta and give every forkful an extra little kick of flavor.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp Caesar salad or a light garden salad to balance out the richness. You might also enjoy some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of that luscious pesto sauce — perfect for dining like a true Italian!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the pasta in large, shallow bowls for an inviting, rustic feel. For a fancy touch, plate it with a lemon wedge on the side to brighten each bite. You could even serve it alongside roasted vegetables to add color and texture, making your presentation as delightful as the flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps really well in the fridge for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Because it’s a creamy pasta, give it a good stir before reheating to keep the sauce smooth and cohesive. Leftovers often taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of cooked spinach may soften further after freezing, but the taste will remain fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at shorter intervals, stirring in a splash of milk or broth if the sauce feels too thick. This will help return the creamy consistency and prevent the sauce from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce, you can swap it with rigatoni, rotini, or even farfalle. Just remember to adjust cooking times slightly based on the pasta shape and thickness.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk and cream cheese with coconut milk or a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free pesto or make your own to keep the flavors consistent without dairy.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While fresh spinach adds the best texture and color, frozen spinach can also work. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it in the final step to avoid excess liquid in the sauce.

How spicy is this dish with crushed red pepper?

The crushed red pepper adds only a gentle kick, balancing the creaminess without overwhelming the dish. You can easily omit it or add more depending on your heat preference.

Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes! You can cook the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to make the meal, add the pre-cooked chicken during the later steps so it just warms through without overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen, and I hope it will be in yours too! It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together with ease, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something comforting and vibrant. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes your go-to dinner that never fails to bring smiles around the table.