One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
This one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner. With tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto cream sauce, it’s all made in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a lifesaver for busy evenings.
Why You'll Love This One-Pot Pasta
Busy weeknights call for dinners that are quick, delicious, and easy on cleanup. That's where this one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta comes in. Everything — from the chicken to the pasta to the sauce — cooks together in a single pot, so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal. Plus, the creamy pesto sauce is incredibly flavorful and comes together in just 30 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved(optional)
- to taste salt and black pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves(optional)
One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
🥕Ingredients
Tap to check off as you go
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- to taste salt and black pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
📋Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Add pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
- 4
Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot along with the cherry tomatoes (if using). Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Use a high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own for extra flavor.
- •For a thicker sauce, let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after cooking — it will continue to absorb liquid.
- •Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition per serving
Pro Tip for Creamy Perfection
Don't rinse the pasta after cooking! The starch that clings to the pasta helps thicken the sauce naturally, giving you a luxuriously creamy texture without extra flour or cornstarch.
Customization Ideas
This one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta is incredibly versatile. Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage for a different protein. Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The recipe also works well with gluten-free pasta — just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pesto chicken pasta with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the pesto and cream. For a complete meal, add roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy consistency, then warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup — exactly what you need when time is tight. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and rich pesto cream sauce is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Written by
Elena RossiI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. At cooking word, I share simple, seasonal dishes inspired by my Italian roots and busy life.
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