Description
This creamy pesto chicken penne is a delicious one-pot meal that combines tender diced chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, flavorful sauce made from pesto, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that is both comforting and bursting with fresh basil flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup pesto sauce
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the penne pasta, making sure it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cook Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add Pesto and Cheese: Stir in the pesto sauce and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Ensure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- You can substitute penne with other types of short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli if preferred.
- Use fresh pesto for the best flavor, or store-bought pesto can be used as a convenient alternative.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative.
