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.
Ever since I first made this creamy pesto penne & chicken, it has become a favorite for busy evenings. My family loves how satisfying it is without being heavy.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 boneless skinless cut into bite-sized pieces (about 400 g)
- Penne pasta: 350 g
- Heavy cream: 200 ml
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g grated
- Basil pesto: 80 g store-bought or homemade
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional): for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan (optional): for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 100 ml pasta water.
- Sauté 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 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Make 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 skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Add Pasta:
- Add drained penne to skillet tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.
- Finish and Serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with basil and extra Parmesan.
Save This meal is always a hit at our family dinners, especially when everyone gathers around the table for seconds. Even picky eaters request it!
Variations
Swap out chicken for cooked shrimp or use a vegetarian alternative like sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to complement the creamy sauce. A glass of Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully for adults.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Save This creamy pesto penne & chicken is sure to become a beloved staple. Enjoy every bite with your favorite people!
Kitchen Q&A
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Penne works well as it holds the creamy pesto sauce nicely and provides a satisfying texture.
- → Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely! Homemade basil pesto enhances freshness and allows customization of flavors.
- → How do I keep the chicken tender?
Sauté chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter sauce, try half-and-half or whole milk, though the consistency will be less rich.
- → How to adjust sauce thickness?
Use reserved pasta water gradually to thin the sauce to your preferred creaminess without diluting flavors.