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One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Halal

Description

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breast pieces are sautéed with garlic, then simmered with penne pasta in chicken broth until perfectly cooked. Cream cheese, milk, and basil pesto create a rich and creamy sauce that’s enhanced with Parmesan, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Ready in just 25 minutes, this all-in-one skillet dish combines vibrant flavors and comforting textures in an easy cleanup recipe.

Ingredients

Chicken & Aromatics

  • 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta & Liquids

  • 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked)
  • 1.5 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 1/3 cup basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper

Vegetables

  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken: Heat butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until slightly browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sauté garlic: Mince the garlic cloves. Add the garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Add pasta and broth: Pour the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well to loosen any browned bits from the bottom. Cover with a lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Simmer the pasta: Once boiling, quickly stir the pasta, replace the lid, and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer for about 8 minutes or until tender and most of the broth is absorbed. Stir every two minutes, replacing the lid promptly each time.
  5. Add cream sauce ingredients: Stir in the milk, cream cheese chunks, and basil pesto. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cream cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy. Add grated Parmesan and stir to combine.
  6. Incorporate vegetables and finish: Add fresh spinach and sliced sun dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat, season with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper, then serve warm.

Notes

  • You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese and Parmesan with vegan alternatives and use plant-based milk.
  • Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add chili flakes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://recipeglimpse.com/one-pot-creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta-recipe/