Pin it 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 this creamy pesto penne and chicken was for a spontaneous midweek dinner with friends. Everyone cleaned their plates and kept commenting how much they loved the sauce.
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Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 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: Optional, for garnish
- Extra grated Parmesan: Optional, for garnish
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil penne in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 100 ml pasta water.
- Cook chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 minutes until golden and cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in cream. Bring to simmer. Stir in pesto and Parmesan until smooth.
- Combine chicken:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss in the sauce.
- Add pasta:
- Add drained penne, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Season and serve:
- Season with salt and pepper. Serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin it This is the recipe my family requests every time we want something cozy and comforting but a little bit fancy. We usually share stories around the table while enjoying every bite.
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Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio. Garnish with extra basil for a pop of freshness.
Allergen & Nutrition Info
This recipe contains dairy, wheat, and may contain nuts if your pesto includes pine nuts. Each serving has about 620 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbs, and 36 g protein.
Variations
Swap half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter version. Use gluten free pasta for dietary needs. Try sun dried tomato pesto for a fun twist.
Pin it 
This creamy chicken pesto penne is irresistible every time. Enjoy it fresh and savor every comforting bite!
Common Questions
- → How can I achieve a creamy pesto sauce consistency?
Simmer the cream gently while stirring in pesto and Parmesan until smooth. Use reserved pasta water incrementally to thin the sauce to your preference.
- → What pasta is best for creamy pesto dishes?
Penne pasta is ideal due to its tube shape which holds the sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for this dish?
Absolutely, homemade basil pesto enhances freshness, but quality store-bought pesto also works well.
- → How do I keep chicken tender and juicy?
Sauté bite-sized chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through to retain moisture and tenderness.
- → What garnishes complement creamy pesto penne and chicken?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add aroma and depth, elevating the dish’s flavor and presentation.
- → Is it possible to lighten the sauce without losing flavor?
Yes, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, keeping in mind the sauce will be thinner but still tasty.
