Description
This creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked to perfection, combined with al dente penne pasta in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and vibrant pesto. Enhanced with garlic, a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh basil, this dish brings together rich and fresh flavors ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1” pieces
- 8 oz. penne pasta
For Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt, divided (3/4 tsp. + 1/2 tsp. + additional to taste)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 oz. Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/2 cup)
- 2/3 cup store-bought or homemade pesto
- Fresh basil, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate.
- Prepare the sauce and pasta: In the same skillet over medium heat, add the finely chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook while stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1 3/4 cups water, 3/4 cup heavy cream, and add 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid reduces to a creamy sauce that coats the pasta, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Combine and finish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked chicken pieces. Toss continuously until the cheese melts and the chicken is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat, then fold in the pesto. If the sauce feels too dry, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if desired. Serve topped with fresh basil leaves if using.
Notes
- Use a digital instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to a safe 160°F, maintaining juiciness.
- If using homemade pesto, adjust salt in the dish accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.
- Adding water gradually after folding in pesto helps achieve the ideal creamy sauce consistency.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- This recipe is best served immediately for optimal pasta texture and sauce creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Chicken Pesto Pasta, creamy pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner, Italian pasta recipe, penne with pesto, quick chicken dinner
