One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

If you're looking for a meal that’s comforting, full of flavor, and easy to prepare, this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for you! Packed with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and the fresh aroma of basil pesto, this dish is a winner for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

In this article, we'll guide you through making this delicious dish step by step, along with answering some frequently asked questions about ingredients, variations, and storage tips.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Everything is cooked in a single pot, which means less cleanup!

• Creamy & Flavorful: The blend of pesto, cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich and delicious sauce.

• Customizable: Add veggies or swap out proteins to suit your preferences.

• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy pasta dish.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast (cubed)

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

• 3 cups chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)

• 1/2 cup basil pesto

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1/2 cup baby spinach (optional for extra greens)

• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stir in the Pesto & Cheese

Once the pasta is al dente, reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Veggies

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and toss in the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is evenly distributed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from heat and let the pasta sit for a minute to thicken. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Make it Healthier: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt.

• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your pesto is gluten-free.

• Vegetarian Option: Swap out the chicken for mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.

• Extra Protein: Add shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken.

• Spicy Twist: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Store-Bought Pesto?

Yes! Store-bought pesto is convenient and works great in this recipe. However, if you have time, homemade basil pesto can elevate the flavors even more.

2. What Type of Pasta Works Best?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best as it holds onto the creamy sauce. However, you can also use fettuccine or spaghetti.

3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the creamy texture.

4. How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing as the creamy sauce may separate upon thawing.

5. How Can I Make It Dairy-Free?

Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to impress.

Try it tonight and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy your meal!