One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a velvety swirl of al dente pasta coated in fragrant basil pesto and creamy sauce, with tender chunks of juicy chicken in every bite. This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into restaurant-worthy experiences without the fuss of multiple pans or complicated techniques. The harmonious marriage of aromatic herbs, savory chicken, and luxurious creaminess creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. You’ll learn how to create this delicious meal using just one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta stands out from ordinary pasta dishes for countless reasons. First, the convenience factor is unbeatable—everything cooks in a single pot, meaning less kitchen chaos and more time to enjoy your evening. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the chicken, herbs, and garlic as it cooks, creating layers of depth impossible to achieve when components are cooked separately.

The textural contrasts make each forkful exciting—tender chicken pieces against the slight chew of perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a silky sauce that clings beautifully to every strand. The bright, herbaceous notes from the pesto balance the richness of the cream, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile that feels indulgent without being heavy.

Even kitchen novices can master this dish on the first try, making it ideal for beginners yet satisfying enough for experienced cooks. The versatility of this creamy pesto pasta allows you to customize it based on your pantry contents or dietary preferences without sacrificing its comforting essence.

Ingredients

For this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 12 ounces (340g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1/3 cup (80g) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

The pesto forms the flavor foundation of this chicken pasta dish, so choose a high-quality version with vibrant color and aroma. For the creamiest texture, use heavy cream rather than substitutes. The chicken broth infuses the pasta with savory depth as it cooks, eliminating the need for a separate pot of boiling water.

Pro Tips

Season the Chicken Properly: Before adding your chicken to the pot, season it generously with salt and pepper. This creates a flavor foundation that permeates the entire dish. Allow the chicken to develop a golden crust before stirring, which seals in moisture and adds textural contrast to your creamy pesto chicken pasta.

Master the One-Pot Timing: The secret to perfect one-pot pasta is liquid management. Start with slightly less liquid than you think you need—you can always add more, but you can’t take it away. Test the pasta frequently during cooking; it should finish cooking just as the sauce reaches your desired consistency. If the pasta needs more time but the liquid is disappearing, add hot broth in small increments (1/4 cup at a time).

Perfect Your Pesto Integration: Rather than adding all the pesto at once, reserve about one-third to stir in just before serving. This two-stage addition creates complex flavor layers—the first portion cooks into the dish, mellowing and integrating, while the final addition provides a fresh, vibrant punch of basil that elevates the entire chicken pasta creation.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before heating your pot, ensure all ingredients are prepped and within reach. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Having everything ready creates a smooth cooking process for your One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. This organizational step saves time and prevents overcooking any elements while you’re chopping others.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden on the outside but not completely cooked through. The chicken will finish cooking with the pasta later, ensuring it stays tender. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base infuses the entire dish with flavor. Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken—these contain concentrated flavor that will enhance your pasta sauce.

Step 4: Create the One-Pot Magic
Add the dry pasta, chicken broth, and two-thirds of the pesto to the pot. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the flavorful liquid as it cooks.

Step 5: Complete Your Creamy Pesto Pasta
When the pasta is almost al dente and about half the liquid has been absorbed, return the chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and continue cooking uncovered for another 3-4 minutes until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. The remaining cooking time allows the chicken to finish cooking while the cream reduces slightly.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Elements
Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and remaining pesto. This final addition of fresh pesto brightens the dish with vibrant basil flavor. Let the One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency. Garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a professional presentation.

Variations

Mediterranean Pesto Pasta: Transform this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Mediterranean flair by adding 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan. Stir in the tomatoes and olives during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and top with feta just before serving for a bright, tangy twist on the original.

Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: Create a meatless version by replacing chicken with 2 cups of mixed vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, and bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until tender-crisp before proceeding with the pasta cooking step. For protein, add 1 cup of white beans or chickpeas when you add the cream. This adaptation maintains the creamy, flavorful essence of the dish while making it plant-based.

Dairy-Free Option: For those avoiding dairy, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free pesto (or make your own replacing the Parmesan with nutritional yeast). The coconut milk provides similar richness while complementing the basil flavors beautifully in this chicken pasta alternative.

Storage and Serving

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce, as the pasta will have absorbed some of the liquid. Heat gently over medium-low heat or microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.

Serve this creamy pasta as a complete meal with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil—the peppery greens and bright citrus perfectly counter the rich pasta. For a more substantial presentation, pair with garlic bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. Consider serving in warmed bowls to keep the pasta at the ideal temperature longer, allowing the full flavor profile to shine.

For an elegant dinner party presentation, portion the pasta into individual servings, garnish with additional Parmesan curls, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a restaurant-worthy finish that showcases this simple yet sophisticated chicken pasta creation.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken cooking step and add shredded rotisserie chicken when you return the chicken to the pot. This makes the One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta even faster to prepare.

What if my sauce is too thin?
If your sauce hasn’t thickened after the specified cooking time, simmer uncovered for a few additional minutes. Alternatively, create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water, then stir it into the simmering pasta to thicken.

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, though cooking times may vary. Whole wheat pasta typically requires a few extra minutes and potentially more liquid. For gluten-free pasta, check doneness frequently as it can become mushy quickly in one-pot preparations.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought for this recipe?
While homemade pesto offers fresher flavor, high-quality store-bought pesto works beautifully in this chicken pasta dish. If using store-bought, look for refrigerated options rather than shelf-stable varieties for the best flavor.

Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it up to an hour ahead and keep it warm, covered, over very low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth and stir just before serving to refresh the consistency.

Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — luxuriously creamy, brilliantly simple, yet sophisticated enough for any occasion. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special dinner, all while keeping dishwashing to a minimum. The harmonious balance of vibrant basil, tender chicken, and silky sauce creates a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, impressing dinner guests, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this pasta delivers restaurant-quality results with remarkably little effort.

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