I created this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta as a more elevated alternative to those powdered pasta sauce mixes commonly found in grocery stores. While those packets may be convenient for certain situations like camping or emergencies, I believe that regular weeknight meals deserve something more delicious. This recipe is not only better in taste, but also easy to prepare, taking only 25 minutes. With its velvety and creamy texture, it uses minimal ingredients, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal. 😉
Chicken, Spinach, and Tomatoes Optional
Originally, this recipe concept was a simple combination of pasta and sauce. Occasionally, that is all it takes to feel content. However, I enjoy exploring my pantry, refrigerator, and freezer for any leftover ingredients that can enhance my cooking. Consequently, I created a delectable dish: creamy pesto chicken pasta with the addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Yet, even when consumed solely as pasta and sauce during the testing phase, it still brought me immense joy, prompting a delighted wiggle in my chair.
What Type of Pasta Should I Use?
I opted for penne pasta, although bowties or rotini would also be suitable. However, it is crucial to maintain the appropriate pasta-to-broth ratio in one pot pastas. Therefore, I cannot guarantee the same results if alternative pastas such as gluten-free, rice, chickpea, or even whole wheat pasta are used. These variations absorb broth differently than semolina pasta and may not be compatible with this recipe.
Tips for Success with “one pot” Pastas
If you find one pot pastas challenging, it’s because they require cooking the pasta in a smaller liquid quantity compared to traditional methods. To ensure your one pot pasta is evenly cooked and has the desired texture, consider these helpful suggestions:
Interested in delicious chicken pasta recipes that only require one pot? Be sure to try out my mouthwatering options: One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta or One Pot Creamy Mushroom Pasta!
To view the step-by-step photos, simply scroll down.
If you’re a fan of one pot pasta, don’t miss out on exploring my collection of One Pot Meals!
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta – Step by Step Photos
To begin, dice a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into 1-inch chunks. Take a deep skillet and place it over medium heat, adding 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt completely. Once melted, introduce the chicken pieces into the skillet and sauté them until they achieve a light browning on the exterior. Proceed by adding 2 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for an additional minute. (For this process, I recommend utilizing an OXO 4-quart covered skillet.)
Incorporate 1/2 pound of uncooked penne pasta and 1.5 cups of chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring to briefly stir and dissolve any browned bits from the skillet’s bottom.
Cover the skillet with a lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and let the broth reach a full boil.
After the broth reaches a rolling boil, briefly stir the pasta, cover with the lid, reduce the heat to medium-low, and allow it to simmer for approximately 8 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Stir the pasta every two minutes while simmering, ensuring to replace the lid after each stir.
Incorporate chunks of cream cheese (3 oz.), along with 1/3 cup of pesto and 1 cup of milk into the skillet. Stir and cook the concoction over medium heat until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce attains a creamy consistency.
After the cream cheese has completely melted, incorporate 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture by stirring.
Once the sauce is done, add the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until the spinach wilts. Remove the skillet from the heat afterwards, just like I did.
To elevate the taste of your creamy pesto chicken pasta, add a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes, regardless of whether you include spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. These two ingredients truly enhance the dish, giving it an extra burst of flavor!
Dive in! 🙂
TRY THESE OTHER ONE POT CHICKEN RECIPES:
