Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 Tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked); 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 1 pinch crushed red pepper; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 4 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that’s as simple as it is satisfying, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pieces of chicken nestled among perfectly cooked penne, all swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with vibrant basil pesto and the savory tang of Parmesan. Plus, with wholesome touches like fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, every forkful bursts with color and layers of flavor. Best of all, it’s all made in one pot, cutting down on cleanup and maximizing deliciousness in minimal time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver frying pan with many small pieces of light brown cooked chicken scattered unevenly inside, showing some browned spots and a few golden bits stuck to the pan's surface. The pan has two metal handles, and it sits on a white marbled tabletop. The chicken pieces have a slightly rough texture and are not stacked but spread out in a single layer. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started on this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe couldn’t be easier. The ingredients are simple staples that work together to build bold flavors and a creamy, comforting texture you’ll be craving again and again.

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein and tender bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
2 Tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for extra flavor.
2 cloves garlic: Brings an aromatic punch that awakens the entire dish.
1/2 lb. penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto that creamy pesto sauce with its ridged shape.
1.5 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and chicken with savory depth.
1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve that luscious sauce texture.
3 oz. cream cheese: Makes the sauce silky and rich while binding everything together.
1/3 cup basil pesto: The star flavor — fresh, herbal, and wildly delicious.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Adds sharp, nutty notes and helps thicken the sauce.
Freshly cracked pepper: For seasoning with just the right kick.
1 pinch crushed red pepper: Optional for a subtle spicy warmth.
3 cups fresh spinach: Brightens the dish with vibrant color and a mild, fresh flavor.
1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes: Adds a pleasantly tangy sweetness and chewy texture.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Melt the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken, letting it cook until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown. This step locks in flavor and adds a subtle crispness to the tender chicken, setting the perfect foundation for your creamy pesto pasta.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the chicken is browning, mince up your garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the skillet and sauté everything together for one more minute. The fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen, teasing your taste buds and signaling that something special is underway.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth

Next, toss in the uncooked penne pasta along with the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful browned bits that have formed. Pop a lid on the skillet, crank the heat to medium-high, and bring the broth to a lively boil. This step starts cooking the pasta right in the sauce base, letting it absorb all those amazing flavors from the get-go.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

Once boiling, stir the pasta quickly, replace the lid, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Let the pasta gently simmer for about 8 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Be sure to stir it every couple of minutes to keep it from sticking, covering it back up each time to trap the steam and help cook it evenly.

Step 5: Stir in Creamy Elements and Pesto

When the pasta is perfectly tender, it’s time to turn up the creamy factor. Pour in the milk, add the cream cheese cut into chunks, and stir in the vibrant basil pesto. Cook over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce comes together in a luxuriously silky coat for the pasta and chicken. Finish off this step by folding in the grated Parmesan, which adds a delightful sharpness and extra creaminess.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Sun Dried Tomatoes

Lastly, toss in fresh spinach and sliced sun dried tomatoes. Stir until the spinach wilts down and blends with the sauce, while the sun dried tomatoes introduce a subtle tangy pop. Remove from heat, sprinkle freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a hint of heat, then get ready to dig into your homemade comfort bowl.

How to Serve One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a plate of creamy pasta with penne noodles coated in a smooth, light beige sauce. Mixed throughout are bright green spinach leaves and small pieces of light-colored chicken. There are also bits of red sun-dried tomatoes adding color contrast. The dish is sprinkled with black pepper on top for texture. A black fork is placed on the right side of the white plate, stirring some pasta with a piece of chicken and spinach. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top for a burst of green freshness. A light drizzle of good olive oil or a squeeze of lemon can brighten each serving and add another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brilliantly on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread. The salad can refresh the palate between creamy bites, while the garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that delicious pesto sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this pasta in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or small ramekins and broil briefly for a bubbly finish. You can even transform it into a bake by topping with mozzarella and baking until golden and bubbly for a comforting casserole vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or dinners packed with flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe for longer, feel free to freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just remember that the texture of the spinach may change slightly, but the flavors will hold up wonderfully for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy sauce. Stir frequently over medium-low heat until warmed through to keep the pasta tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works great because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute with rotini, fusilli, or even shells. Just keep cooking times in mind as they may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add protein, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based chicken alternative.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap out the butter, milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan for plant-based alternatives like vegan butter, almond milk, vegan cream cheese, and nutritional yeast. The pesto can also be homemade without cheese to ensure it’s dairy-free.

How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper?

The crushed red pepper adds just a gentle warming kick without overpowering the creamy pesto flavors. You can always adjust the amount to your heat preference or omit it altogether for a milder dish.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance for a dinner party?

Definitely! You can prepare the pasta up to the point of adding spinach and sun dried tomatoes, then refrigerate. Just add those fresh ingredients and reheat gently before serving to keep the greens vibrant.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about pulling together a meal that tastes like it took hours but actually cooks up in just one pot, and this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. It’s warm, creamy, and comforting with fresh herbaceous notes, making it a dish you’ll want to make on repeat. Trust me, once you try it, it will become a cherished staple in your dinner rotation—give it a go, and let those flavors work their magic!