One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the delightful taste of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, a perfect blend of convenience and flavor. This dish transforms your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience without the fuss. Picture tender chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy pesto sauce, all cooked in just one pot. Ideal for busy evenings or special family gatherings, this recipe is not only quick to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. With minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 lb penne pasta
- 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
- Freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
- Crushed red pepper (pinch)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and sauté in butter over medium heat until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant.
- Stir in uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed (about 8 minutes).
- Mix in milk, cream cheese, and basil pesto until well combined and creamy.
- Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes if using; cook until spinach wilts.
- Season with freshly cracked pepper and crushed red pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 380g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg