How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes

Are you ready to whip up a delicious dinner that the whole family will love? I know I am! Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly easy to make, making it one of my favorite easy pasta recipes. In just 30 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal on the table that will impress everyone. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for 30-minute meals.
• One pot means less cleanup—yay!
• Rich and creamy flavor that satisfies your pasta cravings.
• Great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests.
• Versatile—add your favorite veggies or proteins!

Ingredients

To make this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your creamy garlic pasta masterpiece:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the uncooked penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, basil pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the cherry tomatoes. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Pesto Chicken Recipes Pasta turns out perfectly:

• Feel free to add in some spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and color!
• If you want a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
• For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
• Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—everyone’s palate is different!

How to Serve

This Pasta Pesto Recipes dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with:

• A side of Creamy Cucumber Salad for a refreshing crunch.
• Garlic bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce.
• A light Cucumber Tomato Salad to balance the richness of the pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning ahead, this dish can be made in advance! Here’s how to store it:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

So there you have it! A delightful weeknight dinner idea that’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making this Pesto Chicken Casserole as much as I do. Happy cooking!