Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add your pre-cooked chicken when you add the cream cheese and pesto. This makes the recipe even faster and is perfect for using up rotisserie chicken.

My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking - the sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly. If it's still too thin, add an extra tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan, which helps thicken while adding flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any medium-sized pasta shape works well. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta's texture during cooking. Whole wheat pasta will likely need a bit more liquid and cooking time.

Is there a dairy-free alternative I could try?

You can substitute the dairy components with plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; Freshly cracked pepper; 1 pinch crushed red pepper; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for weeknight dinners! Tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a luscious, herb-infused cream sauce – all made in just one skillet in 25 minutes. The combination of aromatic pesto, melty cream cheese, and savory Parmesan creates an irresistible dish that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort and cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Truly One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Quick and Straightforward: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re tempted to order takeout.
Customizable Comfort Food: The base recipe is divine on its own, but you can easily add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (or other veggies) to make it your own.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This pasta tastes like something you’d order at your favorite Italian restaurant, but at a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken breast: The protein star of our dish that soaks up all the amazing flavors while staying tender and juicy.
Butter: Creates a flavorful base for sautéing the chicken and adds richness to the final sauce.
Garlic: Provides that essential aromatic foundation – fresh is best here!
Penne pasta: The perfect shape for holding our creamy sauce; those little tubes get filled with deliciousness.
Chicken broth: Forms the cooking liquid for the pasta while adding depth of flavor to every bite.
Milk: Creates the creamy texture we’re looking for without making the dish too heavy.
Cream cheese: The secret weapon that makes this sauce incredibly silky and rich without much effort.
Basil pesto: Brings a burst of herb-filled flavor and beautiful color to the dish. Store-bought works perfectly!
Parmesan cheese: Adds that nutty, salty finish that makes pasta dishes irresistible.
Pepper and red pepper flakes: Balance the richness with a touch of heat and depth.
Optional spinach: Wilts down perfectly into the sauce while adding color and nutrition.
Optional sun-dried tomatoes: Contribute a tangy sweetness and chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This versatile pasta dish welcomes many delicious twists:

Protein Swap: Try Italian sausage, shrimp, or leftover rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breast.
Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli.
Cheese Adventures: Substitute the Parmesan with pecorino romano for a sharper flavor, or add some mozzarella for stretchy cheese pulls.
Different Pasta: Swap penne for farfalle, rotini, or even tortellini for a fun twist.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and double up on vegetables for a meat-free meal.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Cut chicken breast into 1-inch chunks for quick, even cooking. Melt butter in a deep skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook until they’re lightly browned on the outside but not necessarily cooked through yet.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for just a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta in the Same Pot

Add the uncooked penne and chicken broth directly to the skillet. Stir to release any browned bits from the bottom – that’s flavor! Cover with a lid, bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, add the milk, chunked cream cheese, and pesto. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese completely melts into a smooth sauce. Finish by stirring in the grated Parmesan until well combined.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins

If using, add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the spinach wilts completely into the pasta. This takes just a minute or two.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve immediately in warm bowls for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Before Starting: Have all ingredients measured and ready before turning on the heat – this recipe moves quickly!
Watch the Liquid Level: If the pasta seems dry during cooking, add a splash more broth. Different pasta shapes may absorb liquid differently.
Cream Cheese Trick: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before adding, or cut it into very small chunks for faster melting.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Test it about a minute before the suggested cooking time – it should be just barely al dente when you add the cream components.
Layer the Flavors: Don’t rush the chicken browning stage – those caramelized bits add tremendous flavor to the final dish.

How to Serve

This creamy pasta is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple Sides

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for sopping up that amazing sauce.

Wine Pairing

A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Finishing Touches

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan, or toasted pine nuts adds restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent scorching. Microwave on 70% power, covered, stirring halfway through heating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add your pre-cooked chicken when you add the cream cheese and pesto. This makes the recipe even faster and is perfect for using up rotisserie chicken.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?

Allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes after cooking – the sauce will naturally thicken as it cools slightly. If it’s still too thin, add an extra tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan, which helps thicken while adding flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any medium-sized pasta shape works well. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta’s texture during cooking. Whole wheat pasta will likely need a bit more liquid and cooking time.
Is there a dairy-free alternative I could try?

You can substitute the dairy components with plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk, dairy-free cream cheese, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta might just become your new weeknight hero! It strikes that perfect balance between ease and indulgence, proving that a delicious, comforting meal doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. The creamy pesto sauce feels special enough for company but is simple enough for everyday cooking. Give it a try tonight – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main-course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian

Print Recipe

Description

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delicious, fuss-free meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and creamy sauce all into one dish. With minimal cleanup required, this quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights while delivering gourmet-level flavors. You can elevate it further with optional add-ins like fresh spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for a healthy and vibrant twist.

Instructions

Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces. Add the butter to a deep skillet and melt it over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are slightly browned on the outside.
Sauté the Garlic
While the chicken is cooking, mince the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for one additional minute, allowing the flavors to combine.
Add Pasta and Broth
Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir well to dissolve any browned bits at the bottom of the skillet. Place a lid on the skillet, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring the broth to a full boil.
Simmer the Pasta
Once the broth is boiling, stir the pasta briefly, replace the lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the pasta to simmer for approximately 8 minutes. Stir the pasta every two minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Replace the lid after each stir.
Add Creamy Pesto Sauce
Once the pasta is tender and most of the broth has been absorbed, add the milk, cream cheese (cut into chunks), and basil pesto to the skillet. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the cream cheese has melted completely into the sauce.
Incorporate Parmesan and Optional Add-Ins
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully combined. If desired, add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly until the spinach has wilted. Remove the skillet from heat.
Garnish and Serve
Top the pasta with freshly cracked pepper and a small pinch of crushed red pepper for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Cutting the Chicken: Ensure uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Pasta: Penne works best, but similar short pasta shapes, like rotini or farfalle, can be substituted.
Creaminess: Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less cream cheese based on personal preference.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.
Optional Add-Ins: Adding spinach and sun-dried tomatoes not only boosts the nutrition but also adds extra texture and flavor.