This One Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta is a colorful meal that brings together tender chicken, pasta, and zesty pesto in one easy dish. It’s quick to make and full of flavor!
Who doesn’t love not having to do extra dishes? I just toss everything into one pan and let it cook—dinner has never been so simple and tasty! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish, but thighs could work too for extra moisture. If you’re vegetarian, replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Pasta: I used penne for its fun shape that holds sauce well. You can swap it for other pastas like fusilli or farfalle, just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth brings rich flavor, but if you prefer a lighter taste, use vegetable broth or even water. It’s an easy swap!
Heavy Cream: This provides a creamy texture, but with a healthier twist, feel free to use half-and-half or a plant-based cream if you’re looking for dairy alternatives.
Basil Pesto: Prepared pesto gives this dish its iconic flavor. If you don’t have any, consider making a quick version with fresh basil, nuts, and olive oil or use sun-dried tomatoes for a different taste.
How Do You Sear Chicken Perfectly?
Searing chicken to get that golden crust is essential for flavor in this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your pan is hot; preheat it until it’s shimmering with oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps the chicken to brown nicely instead of steaming.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Avoid moving it around too much – give it time to develop that color.
- Once done, always let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices locked in.
How to Make One Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious One Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook. So in total, you’re looking at about 35 minutes from start to finish. That’s super quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. This will create a nice base for your chicken to sear!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the oil is heating, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs if you’re using them. This helps to add flavor from the start!
3. Sear the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Once they look perfect, take them out of the pan and set them aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
5. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften. This will enhance their sweetness and flavor!
6. Combine the Pasta & Liquid:
Now, pour in the uncooked penne pasta along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
7. Add the Chicken Back:
Place the seared chicken breasts right on top of the pasta mixture. This way, they’ll soak up more flavor as they cook.
8. Simmer It Down:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be tender and most of the liquid to be absorbed.
9. Stir in the Good Stuff:
Once the pasta is ready, take out the chicken breasts for a moment. Stir in the basil pesto, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and delicious!
10. Warm the Chicken:
Pop the chicken breasts back into the pan for a couple more minutes to warm them through.
11. Final Seasoning:
Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Don’t be shy, this is where you get the flavor just right!
12. Serve & Garnish:
Serve your hearty meal hot, and for a lovely touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves if you like. Enjoy your One Pan Pesto Chicken Pasta! It’s easy, flavorful, and clean-up is a breeze!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While penne is a great choice, you can use any short pasta like fusilli, elbows, or farfalle. Just be mindful of the cooking times as they may vary slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative. Coconut milk will also work well for a unique flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure everything is tender and cooked through!
