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

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.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main 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

Optional Add-Ins

3 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories: 490kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 100mg