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Savor One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Tonight

This One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delicious blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and vibrant pesto. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines richness and freshness in every bite. Easy to prepare and one-pan convenience make it a flawless choice for any busy home cook.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Method
 

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet.
  4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
  5. Add minced garlic to the hot skillet, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently.
  7. Add basil pesto and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
  8. Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
  9. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh pesto if possible. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and simply reheat on the stove for a quick meal.