Description
A rich and satisfying one-pot pasta featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious pesto cream sauce with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add diced chicken in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- 3. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- 4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- 5. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
- 6. Season with red pepper flakes, additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce consistency. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: creamy pesto pasta, pesto chicken pasta, easy pasta recipe, one pot pasta, weeknight dinner