Description
This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious dinner option that combines tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. Cooked all in a single skillet, the recipe is easy to follow and perfect for those seeking a flavorful and comforting meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 3 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta & Vegetables
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes
Liquids & Sauce
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
Seasonings & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic
- Freshly cracked pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are slightly browned on the outside, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Sauté the garlic: Mince the garlic cloves while the chicken cooks. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté together for an additional minute to release the aroma without burning.
- Add pasta and broth: Stir in the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits for added flavor. Cover with a lid and increase heat to medium-high to bring the broth to a boil.
- Simmer the pasta: Once boiling, stir the pasta quickly, cover again, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer for about 8 minutes or until tender, stirring briefly every two minutes to prevent sticking and evenly cook.
- Create the creamy sauce: When pasta is tender and most liquid absorbed, add milk, chunked cream cheese, and basil pesto. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth. Then mix in grated Parmesan cheese to combine.
- Finish with spinach and sun dried tomatoes: Add fresh spinach and sliced sun dried tomatoes if using. Stir until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and season with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or substitute with store-bought jarred pesto.
- For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half instead of milk.
- Ensure to stir regularly when simmering pasta to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
- Sun dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness but can be omitted or replaced with cherry tomatoes.
- This recipe is easily doubled to serve more people; just use a larger skillet or pot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
