One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless
skinless chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 3 oz. cream cheese*
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- freshly cracked pepper
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper
- 3 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes
Directions
- 1
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Add the butter to a deep skillet and melt over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook over medium heat until the chicken is slightly browned on the outside.
- 2
While the chicken is cooking, mince the garlic. Add the garlic to the skillet with the chicken and continue to sauté for one minute more.
- 3
Add the uncooked pasta and chicken broth to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and bring the broth up to a boil.
- 4
Once the broth comes to a full boil, give the pasta a quick stir, replace the lid, and turn the heat down to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer over medium-low heat for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed. Stir the pasta briefly every two minutes as it simmers, replacing the lid quickly each time.
- 5
Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth absorbed, add the milk, cream cheese (cut into chunks), and pesto. Stir and cook over medium heat until the cream cheese has fully melted into the sauce. Finally, add the grated Parmesan and stir until combined.
- 6
If using, add the fresh spinach and sliced sun dried tomatoes. Stir until the spinach has wilted, then remove the pasta from the heat. Top the pasta with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper, then serve.
One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
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About this Recipe
Tired of juggling multiple pans for dinner? This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is your ultimate answer to a delicious, no-fuss meal that's on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this dish lies in its clever "one pot" method, where all the flavors meld together beautifully. The penne pasta cooks directly in the flavorful chicken broth and milk, absorbing every bit of creamy goodness while keeping cleanup to an absolute minimum. It’s a truly clever technique that ensures both tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta every time.
What to Expect
Expect a truly satisfying meal with minimal effort. This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta delivers a rich, savory experience where succulent chicken breast and al dente penne are coated in a lush, velvety sauce. The vibrant basil pesto, combined with the subtle sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, creates a balanced flavor profile that’s both comforting and bright. A delicate pinch of crushed red pepper adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish, making it a family-friendly favorite.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to customize this versatile pasta dish to suit your pantry or preferences. You could easily swap the chicken breast for chicken thighs or even a plant-based protein like cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option. If you don't have penne, any other short pasta like rotini or fusilli would work perfectly. For an extra pop of flavor, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten the whole dish.
Serving & Context
This comforting One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual family gathering, serving four generously. Serve it as a complete meal on its own, perhaps with a simple side salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the delicious, creamy sauce.