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.
I first made this dish when craving something Italian but easy enough for a rushed evening. It came together seamlessly and instantly became a household favorite.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 boneless, skinless (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Penne pasta: 350 g
- Heavy cream: 200 ml
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 40 g
- Basil pesto: 80 g (store-bought or homemade)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan: for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook penne until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 100 ml of pasta water.
- Sauté the chicken:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic:
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in pesto and Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- Combine chicken:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add pasta:
- Add drained penne to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and serve:
- Season with extra salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This dinner is a favorite for our Sunday night family meals, where everyone gathers at the table and shares stories over bowls of creamy pasta.
Required Tools
For best results, use a sturdy chef knife for cutting the chicken and a wide skillet to combine everything evenly. A wooden spoon helps prevent the sauce from sticking.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), wheat (pasta), and nuts if your pesto contains pine nuts. Always double-check the pesto label to avoid allergens for sensitive eaters.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 27 g total fat, 58 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein––a deliciously satisfying meal for all ages.
Save Enjoy every bite hot for maximum flavor. Creamy pesto penne with chicken is sure to become a new weeknight classic at your table.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal as its shape holds the creamy pesto sauce well, providing a balanced bite with each forkful.
- → Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely, homemade pesto adds fresh and vibrant basil flavors, enhancing the creaminess and richness of the sauce.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?
Sauté the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, taking care not to overcook for tender results.
- → Is there a way to lighten the creamy sauce?
Substituting half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream will make the sauce lighter while maintaining its smooth texture.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan are perfect garnishes that enhance aroma and visual appeal without overpowering flavors.
