If you’re craving a rich, comforting dinner, this Chicken Pesto Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, herby, and packed with flavor
- Easy one-pan recipe with minimal cleanup
- Family-friendly and satisfying
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Ready in under 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add water, cream, and salt. Bring to a simmer. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce (8–10 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan and cooked chicken. Mix until melted and heated through.
- Remove from heat and fold in pesto. Add a splash of water if needed for extra creaminess.
- Serve your Chicken Pesto Pasta topped with fresh basil.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrition
- Swap penne with fusilli or farfalle
- Adjust spice level by increasing or skipping red pepper flakes
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste
- Add grilled vegetables for variety
- Serve with garlic bread or a light salad
Nutrition (Approx.)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 25g
FAQ
1. Can I make Chicken Pesto Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it and store in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.
2. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a bit of flour or cheese to thicken.
3. What protein alternatives work?
Try shrimp, turkey, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It can be frozen, but cream-based sauces may slightly change texture.
5. How do I make it lighter?
Use light cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop with a splash of water or milk
Similar Recipes
Chicken Pesto Pasta Creamy One Pan Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- Kosher salt
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 oz Parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2/3 cup pesto store-bought or homemade
- Fresh basil optional, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Add water, cream, and salt. Bring to a simmer. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente and the liquid reduces into a creamy sauce (8–10 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan and cooked chicken. Mix until melted and heated through.
- Remove from heat and fold in pesto. Add a splash of water if needed for extra creaminess.
- Serve your Chicken Pesto Pasta topped with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use homemade pesto for a fresher taste
- Add grilled vegetables for variety
- Serve with garlic bread or a light salad
Conclusion
This Chicken Pesto Pasta is the perfect balance of creamy comfort and fresh herb flavor. It’s simple, reliable, and guaranteed to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.