One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
A creamy one-pot pasta made with chicken, penne, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and a flavorful sauce cooked together in one pan.
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Ingredients
Chicken Pesto Pasta
1 tablespoon oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups low fat milk or whole milk
1/3 cup basil pesto
3 cups penne pasta
1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
1 teaspoon corn starch, optional
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan.
- Add chicken and cook until lightly cooked on the outside.
- Add garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 1 minute.
- Add broth, milk, pesto, and pasta.
- Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook, stirring often.
- Cover and continue cooking until pasta is al dente.
- Add cream and corn starch mixture if using.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Short pasta shapes can replace penne.
- Add vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
- Use broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Nutritional Information Disclaimer:
- Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and quantities used.
This One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dinner made with tender chicken, penne pasta, basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and a smooth creamy sauce. Everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the pasta to absorb the pesto flavors while creating a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
Ready in less than 30 minutes, this chicken pesto pasta is a practical choice for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy chicken, herbs, cheese, and creamy pasta creates a comforting meal that is easy enough for everyday cooking.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-inspired
Calories: Not provided
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one pot pesto pasta combines convenience with rich flavors.
Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup simple.
The pasta cooks directly in the creamy pesto sauce.
Chicken adds protein and makes the dish filling.
Basil pesto provides fresh herb flavor without complicated preparation.
The recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for quick dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
1 tablespoon oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3/4 lb)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups low fat milk or whole milk
1/3 cup basil pesto
3 cups penne pasta (about 300 grams)
1/2 cup heavy cream, optional
1 teaspoon corn starch, optional
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Easy Substitutions
Chicken
Chicken can be replaced with white beans, frozen meatballs, or chicken sausage for different variations.
Pasta
Any short pasta variety can replace penne. Shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or shells can also work well.
Pesto
Basil pesto can be replaced with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile.
Milk and Cream
Whole milk or lighter milk can be used. Adding cream creates a richer sauce texture.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add chicken pieces and cook until the outside is lightly cooked, about 3–4 minutes.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage because it will continue cooking with the pasta.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Add minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Pasta Sauce
Stir in chicken broth, milk, basil pesto, and uncooked penne pasta.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Reduce heat to medium.
Cook while stirring often.
Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, cover the pan with a lid.
Continue cooking until the pasta is al dente, about 10 minutes total.
Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce
If using, whisk together heavy cream and corn starch.
Stir the mixture into the pasta.
Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until combined.
Serve warm.
Tips for the Best Chicken Pesto Pasta
Cut chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Stir frequently because the pasta cooks directly in the sauce.
Use low sodium broth to control the salt level.
Add Parmesan at the end for a smooth finish.
Do not overcook the pasta because it continues absorbing sauce after cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Stirring the Pasta
Pasta cooked directly in sauce can stick, so frequent stirring helps.
Adding Cheese Too Early
Adding Parmesan at the end helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
Overcooking the Pasta
Check the pasta texture regularly to keep it tender but not soft.
Adding Too Much Liquid
The pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks, so avoid unnecessary extra liquid.
Variations
Vegetable Chicken Pesto Pasta
Add broccoli, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, green beans, or other vegetables.
Meatless Pesto Pasta
Replace chicken with white beans for a vegetarian version.
Sausage Pesto Pasta
Use chicken sausage or frozen meatballs instead of chicken.
Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
Replace basil pesto with sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
What to Serve With One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
This pasta pairs well with:
Garlic bread
Green salad
Roasted vegetables
Steamed broccoli
Fresh Parmesan cheese
A fresh side dish can balance the creamy pasta.
How to Store One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keep the pasta in an airtight container.
How to Reheat Chicken Pesto Pasta
Add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating because the pasta absorbs sauce as it sits.
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
How to Freeze Chicken Pesto Pasta
The prepared pasta can be frozen.
Cook the pasta only until al dente before freezing.
Store it in a lightly greased baking dish covered with plastic wrap and foil.
Make Ahead
This recipe can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating.
Add a little liquid while reheating to refresh the sauce texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Any short pasta variety can replace penne.
Can I make this recipe without chicken?
Yes. White beans, vegetables, meatballs, or chicken sausage can be used instead.
Does the pasta cook directly in the sauce?
Yes. The pasta cooks in the same pan with broth, milk, and pesto.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes. Homemade or store-bought basil pesto can both be used.
Why does the pasta become thicker after sitting?
The pasta continues absorbing the sauce after cooking, which can make the dish thicker.
