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One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

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A quick and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, basil pesto, and a rich cheese sauce, all ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 12 oz penne pasta (or other short pasta like rotini or bowties)
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces and sauté in butter over medium heat until golden and cooked through.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in milk and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Mix in the basil pesto, grated Parmesan, and optional spinach or sun-dried tomatoes.
  7. Finish with black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper. Serve hot straight from the skillet.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or Italian sausage as a time-saving protein swap.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or broccoli for a veggie boost.
  • Substitute sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto for a twist on flavor.
  • Use a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce.
  • Not suitable for freezing due to dairy content.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/one-pot-creamy-pesto-chicken-pasta/