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 on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a staple in our home. The combination of tender chicken and the creamy pesto sauce won everyone over in minutes.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 350 g penne pasta
- Dairy: 200 ml heavy cream
- Dairy: 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Pesto: 80 g basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- Vegetables: 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Vegetables: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pantry: 2 tbsp olive oil
- Pantry: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garnish (optional): Fresh basil leaves
- Garnish (optional): Extra grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook Penne:
- Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 100 ml of pasta water.
- Prepare Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce:
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the pesto and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Combine Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Add Pasta:
- Add the drained penne to the skillet, tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Season and Serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This creamy pesto penne is a favorite during family pasta nights, often sparking laughter around the dinner table as we dig in together.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, colander.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream, Parmesan), wheat (pasta), and nuts (if pesto contains pine nuts). Always check pesto ingredients for potential allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Protein: 36 g.
Save Enjoy this creamy Italian-inspired pasta with a refreshing glass of sparkling water or your favorite white wine. It's sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve a creamy pesto sauce consistency?
Use a combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese over low heat, stirring gently. Adding reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce to a smooth, velvety texture.
- → What is the best way to cook chicken for this dish?
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, ensuring tender, juicy bites.
- → Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely. Homemade basil pesto enhances freshness and flavor; just adjust the quantity to maintain the creamy balance in the sauce.
- → How should the pasta be cooked to complement the sauce?
Cook penne pasta until al dente in salted boiling water. Draining but reserving some pasta water is important to adjust sauce thickness perfectly.
- → What garnish options enhance this dish?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add color and flavor contrast, uplifting the creamy pesto and chicken combination.