Save A comforting Italian-inspired pasta dish featuring tender chicken, al dente penne, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
The first time I made creamy pesto penne & chicken, my family gathered around the kitchen, drawn in by the aroma of fresh basil and sizzling chicken. It became an instant favorite for everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 350 g penne pasta
- Dairy: 200 ml heavy cream
- Dairy: 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Pesto: 80 g basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegetables: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pantry: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves
- Garnish (optional): Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 100 ml of pasta water.
- Sauté chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Add chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add pasta:
- Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Finish:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This creamy pesto penne & chicken is now a go-to recipe for Sunday dinners when extended family visits. The bright basil and savory sauce bring smiles to our crowded kitchen table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, colander
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), wheat (pasta), and nuts (if pesto contains pine nuts). Always check pesto ingredients for potential allergens before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein
Save Enjoy leftovers the next day, or pair your creamy pesto penne & chicken with a crisp Pinot Grigio for a restaurant-style experience at home.
Common Questions
- → How can I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown but avoid overcooking by sautéing it just 5–6 minutes to retain juiciness.
- → What type of pesto works best for this dish?
Fresh basil pesto offers vibrant flavor, but store-bought versions are also great for convenience and consistent taste.
- → Can I adjust the sauce thickness?
Yes, adding reserved pasta water gradually helps achieve a creamy yet smooth sauce that coats the pasta nicely.
- → What is a good alternative to heavy cream?
Substituting half-and-half or whole milk results in a lighter sauce but with less richness and thickness.
- → How should I season this dish optimally?
Season chicken and sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance and enhance the savory flavors.
- → What side pairings complement this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon balances the creamy richness well.