Save A comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
This recipe became a weeknight staple in our house after my kids requested something with both pasta and chicken. I love how it brings everyone to the table, and the creamy pesto sauce always gets rave reviews from friends.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 350 g penne pasta
- Dairy: 200 ml heavy cream
- Dairy: 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Pesto: 80 g basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegetables: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pantry: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves
- Garnish (optional): Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 100 ml of pasta water.
- Sauté Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5&ndash6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2&ndash3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add Pasta:
- Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save Making this pasta together has become a mini tradition after soccer practice. My daughter loves sprinkling the extra Parmesan on top, and everyone enjoys the comforting flavors around the dinner table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, colander
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), wheat (pasta), and nuts (if pesto contains pine nuts). Always check pesto ingredients for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Protein: 36 g
Save This creamy pesto penne & chicken is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy it piping hot for maximum flavor and comfort.
Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve a creamy pesto sauce consistency?
Simmer heavy cream with basil pesto and Parmesan until smooth. Adding reserved pasta water helps adjust thickness to your preference.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, penne works best to hold the sauce, but rigatoni or fusilli are excellent alternatives for a similar texture.
- → What’s the best way to cook the chicken pieces evenly?
Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté bite-sized chicken pieces without crowding the pan, allowing them to brown evenly.
- → Is there a lighter substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a thinner sauce, though the texture will be less rich.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add brightness and enhance the flavor of the creamy pesto sauce.