Easy Pesto Pasta with Chicken - One Pot Dinner
This One-Pot Pesto Pasta with Chicken is a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes. Made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy pesto sauce, this dish is your new go-to for busy weeknights. The entire meal is prepared in one pot that minimizes cleanup. Win-win!!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 grams ground chicken 1 lb
- 350 grams penne or bow-tie pasta 12 oz
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup pure or heavy cream (divided in two)
- 1 cup pesto sauce homemade or storebought
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- black pepper to season
- fresh basil to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the chicken cubes, season with pepper, and cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken is sealed but not fully cooked.
- Add the dry pasta to the pot along with chicken stock and half of the cream. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook with the lid on for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Stir in the pesto sauce, remaining cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring gently. Make sure not to let the sauce boil.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, topped with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, make sure to cook it al dente. Stir frequently to avoid it sticking to the pot.
- Adjust Liquid as Needed: Depending on the type of pasta you use, you may need to add a little more chicken stock or water while cooking.
- Pesto Sauce: You can use either store-bought or homemade pesto. I have an easy pesto sauce recipe if you want to make it from scratch.
- Chicken Thighs Option: Chicken thighs can also be used instead of chicken breasts. They are juicier and more forgiving in case of overcooking.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re using gluten-free pasta, keep in mind that it may absorb more liquid, so you will need to add extra broth or water to cook the pasta. You can also pre-cook the pasta before adding to the chicken.
