This One Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta is super simple and tasty! With juicy chicken, colorful veggies, and creamy pesto, it’s a meal you can whip up in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta shape works great for holding sauces. If you can’t find penne, you could use rotini or fusilli. These shapes also grab onto the creamy sauce nicely!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this recipe, but you can easily swap in thighs for more flavor. They may take a bit longer to cook, so keep an eye on them!
Pesto: I love basil pesto for its fresh flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try sun-dried tomato pesto or even a spinach pesto! You can make it homemade or use store-bought for convenience.
Heavy Cream: This makes the dish creamy and delicious. If you’re looking to lighten it up, opt for half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free, coconut cream works nicely, just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can substitute it with kale or even arugula if you like a bit of a peppery bite. Just use a little less since arugula can be stronger.
How Do You Cook the Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to perfection is key for a delicious dish! Here’s a simple way to ensure it turns out juicy every time:
- Start with a preheated skillet to get a nice sear. Medium heat is often ideal.
- Make sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking – this enhances the flavor.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should have a golden brown color and be cooked through.
- Let it rest a few minutes after cooking, as this helps keep it juicy!
Following these steps will help ensure your chicken is the star of your pasta dish! Enjoy your cooking!
One Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese, optional, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking, totaling approximately 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and convenient dish that packs a lot of flavor and can be made in just one pan!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced chicken breasts. Season them with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn!
3. Add Pasta and Liquids:
Now, it’s time to add the uncooked penne pasta to the pan. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring everything well to combine. This mixture will create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed. Keep an eye on it to prevent sticking!
5. Mix in the Pesto:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the basil pesto sauce until everything is well coated and creamy.
6. Add Chicken and Vegetables:
Next, add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened slightly.
7. Season to Taste:
Taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add a bit more salt and pepper if that suits your palate!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, flavorful one pan pesto chicken pasta!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Penne?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative and adds a nutty flavor. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary slightly compared to regular penne.
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch. If using water, consider adding extra seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they become tender but don’t overcook!