This One Pot Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a quick and easy recipe ready in under 30 minutes. The chicken broth, pesto, and pasta. Because this recipe only uses one pot, everything cooks together. It’s like magic, really. You don’t have to boil the pasta separately, which makes clean-up so much easier.
Want a flavorful dish that your whole family will go crazy for? Then this is the recipe that you need to put into heavy rotation.
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a wonder. You make the whole meal in one pot in 30 minutes. It is cheesy and full of flavor from the basil and garlic. It is also very adaptable. Mix in different cheese, different pasta, and vegetables to make it your own,
With the back-to-school season upon us, our family’s schedule just got even more hectic. Between sports, homework, and other activities, I need dinner recipes that are easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes.
If you’re looking for more one-pot recipes, try these One Pot Jambalaya, One Pot Chili Mac & Cheese, and One Pot BLT Pasta.
With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
Why We Love This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This easy skillet recipe is a unique pasta dish that is quick and easy to create. The unique flavor comes from pesto. What is pesto? Food Network breaks it down for you.
- 30-Minute Meal: This one-skillet meal with chicken, pasta, and parmesan cheese.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in the pantry or the fridge. One-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta is perfect for busy families.
- Family Friendly: Quick, creamy, and full of flavor.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, dairy-free, etc…
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Chicken Breast: Thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe.
- Basil Pesto Sauce: You can make your own or try a great jar version of your favorite recipe.
- Pasta: This creamy pesto chicken pasta recipe can be made with any type of pasta that your family enjoys. Penne Pasta is wonderful.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pata
- Chicken Breast: Try boneless skinless chicken thighs for this recipe.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken stock or low-sodium chicken broth can be a replacement.
- Cheese: In place of the parmesan cheese you can use mozzarella cheese or romano cheese for this creamy sauce.
How to Make Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta
If you are looking for an Italian dish with a lot of flavor, then this is the recipe for you.
These are the basic steps for making creamy chicken pesto pasta recipe. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Step 1: In a Skillet
First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then season the chicken with the salt and pepper and chop it into one-inch pieces. Next, add the chicken and sear the chicken pieces on each side.
Step 2: Cook
Then add the shallots and cook until translucent. Add the garlic, chicken broth and pesto. Simmer.
Step 3: Pasta
Add the pasta and cook pasta according to package directions, about 9 to 11 minutes. Stir the pasta. Remove from the heat and stir in half and half and parmesan cheese.
Recipe FAQs for One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken
Expert Tips for Making This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Basil: Top with fresh basil or other herbs.
- Add Vegetables: Fresh Spinach or other vegetables.
- Short-cut tip: Store-bought or jar versions of sauce can be perfect for this recipe.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add heavy cream to make this dish super-rich.
- Dietary consideration tip: Fat-free or low-fat versions of cheese and cream can also be of use in this recipe.
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients
- 4 thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 shallot , chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons Pesto Sauce , divided
- 1 pound Pasta
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper and chop into one-inch strips.
- Sear chicken on each side in skillet. It does not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Once chicken is seared, add shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic, chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of pesto.
- Add addition salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring to a simmer and add the pasta.
- Simmer for 9-12 minutes or until pasta is al dente.
- Remove from heat and stir in half and half and parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Basil: Top with fresh basil or other herbs.
- Add Vegetables: Fresh Spinach or other vegetables.
- Short cut tip: Store bought or jar versions of sauce can be perfect for this recipe.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add heavy cream to make this dish super rich.
- Dietary consideration tip: Fat free or low fat versions of cheese and cream can also be of use in this recipe.
Such a great recipe.