Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 Tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 lb. penne pasta (uncooked); 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 oz. cream cheese, cut into chunks; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Freshly cracked pepper, to taste; 1 pinch crushed red pepper, to taste; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup sliced sun dried tomatoes

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 5 reviews

I am so excited to share with you my favorite quick and comforting dinner: the One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish has become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something delicious, satisfying, and effortless to prepare. The creamy, herbaceous pesto sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta all come together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. Honestly, I think you’re going to love how this recipe tastes and how simple it is to make!

Why You'll Love This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

When it comes to flavor, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe hits all the right notes for me. The basil pesto brings a fresh, vibrant taste with hints of garlic and pine nuts that brightens the rich cream cheese and Parmesan sauce. The combination results in a luscious, silky coating that clings to every bite of pasta and tender chunks of chicken. I also love the little kick from crushed red pepper that adds just enough heat to make it exciting but balanced. Every forkful feels indulgent but still fresh and light, which is a rare find in creamy pasta dishes.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how incredibly easy it is to pull together. From chopping the chicken to simmering the pasta in flavorful broth, everything cooks in one pot, and it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. That’s a huge win when I’m juggling work, errands, or just feeling too tired to cook. Plus, it’s so versatile—perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or even for impressing guests on a laid-back weekend. The fact that cleanup is minimal just seals the deal for me. Honestly, if you want comfort food without the fuss, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients You'll Need

A stainless steel frying pan is shown from above on a white marbled surface, filled with small, unevenly shaped pieces of light brown cooked chicken scattered across the bottom. The chicken pieces have a slightly crispy texture with some browned spots. The pan's interior shows some browned bits and light oil residue, giving it a well-used look, and its metal handle extends out to the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is delightfully straightforward—with ingredients that are easy to find but each brings something special to the dish. From the savory chicken and garlic to the luscious cream cheese and aromatic pesto, every single element contributes vibrant flavor, appealing texture, or inviting color. Together, they come together to make your pasta deeply satisfying and irresistibly creamy.

Quick Tip

All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully for extra flavor.
Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
Penne pasta: Its tube shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
Chicken broth: Cooks the pasta with flavorful liquid instead of plain water.
Milk: Creates a smooth base for the sauce that’s lighter than cream but still rich.
Cream cheese: Melts to make the sauce luxuriously creamy and velvety.
Basil pesto: Brings fresh herbal notes and an irresistible green color.
Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
Freshly cracked pepper: Provides a gentle spice and depth to the flavor.
Crushed red pepper: Gives a touch of heat that is optional but highly recommended.
Optional - fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a lovely textural contrast when wilted.
Optional - sun dried tomatoes: Offer tangy sweetness that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cutting your chicken breast into 1-inch pieces for even cooking. Add the butter to a deep skillet and melt it over medium heat. Toss in the chicken and cook until the pieces are lightly browned on the outside, about 5 to 6 minutes. This step adds texture and depth of flavor to the chicken.

Step 2: While the chicken is cooking, mince the garlic cloves finely. Add the garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté together for one more minute, releasing that wonderful garlic aroma throughout the dish.

Step 3: Add the uncooked penne pasta directly to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Use your spoon to stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. This will help infuse the broth with extra flavor. Then place a lid on the skillet, turn the heat up to medium-high, and bring the broth to a full boil.

Step 4: Once boiling, give the pasta a quick stir. Replace the lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer gently for about 8 minutes, stirring every two minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The pasta will soften and absorb most of the broth, creating a perfect texture.

Step 5: After the pasta is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, stir in the milk, cream cheese (cut into chunks so it melts evenly), and basil pesto. Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.

Step 6: Add the grated Parmesan and stir everything together until smooth. If you’re using fresh spinach and sun dried tomatoes, now is the time to add them. Stir gently until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are warmed through, then remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 7: Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy goodness.

Servings and Timing

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe yields about 4 hearty servings—perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for a few days. It comes together quickly too, with just 5 minutes of prep time and about 20 minutes to cook, for a total of approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting or cooling time needed, so you can enjoy it piping hot right away, straight from the stove to your plate.

How to Serve This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

A white round plate filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with green spinach leaves and chunks of light tan cooked chicken pieces, dotted with thin strips of red sun-dried tomatoes. The pasta is coated in a smooth, pale cream sauce sprinkled generously with black pepper, adding small dark specks across the dish. A black fork rests on the right side of the plate, with a woman's hand holding it. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this pasta while it’s still warm so the sauce stays creamy and luscious with its velvety texture. Pairing it with a side crisp salad or crunchy garlic bread adds a wonderful contrast that balances the richness in the dish. Fresh arugula or a simple mixed green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette compliments the herbal notes from the basil pesto beautifully.

For a finishing touch, I often like to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and add a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and an added layer of freshness. If you want to make the presentation a bit more special, try serving it in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce with the chicken and veggies nestled right on top. Portion sizes are flexible too—this recipe is indulgent enough for a cozy family dinner but can be portioned smaller for lighter meals or larger if you’re feeding a hungry crowd.

As for drinks, I think this dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or a light sparkling water with lemon to keep things fresh and bright. It’s also great for casual dinners with friends or even a cozy Sunday lunch. Whether you’re celebrating a weekday or weekend occasion, serving this pasta warm and freshly made always makes it extra comforting and satisfying.

Variations

I love how flexible this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is when it comes to customization. If you’re gluten-free, I recommend swapping the penne for a gluten-free pasta variety—just be sure to check cooking times so you achieve the right texture. For a dairy-free or vegan version, you can replace the cream cheese and milk with coconut cream or a plant-based cream cheese, and use a vegan pesto or make your own with nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Sometimes I like to experiment with different add-ins depending on what’s in my fridge. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even artichoke hearts make delicious substitutions or additions. You can also swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or Italian sausage to mix up the flavors. If you want to turn this into a more protein-packed dish, adding some white beans or peas works beautifully.

If you prefer a different cooking style, you can make this in a slow cooker by browning the chicken first, then combining all ingredients except the cheese and pesto, and cooking on low for 3-4 hours. Stir in the creamy components near the end for a cozy, hands-off meal. No matter how you tweak it, the base of creamy pesto and tender chicken pasta always delivers satisfying results that feel both comforting and fresh.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Storing leftovers from this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is simple. I like to transfer any remaining pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate it. Stored properly, leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, so it’s best to loosen it up with a splash of milk or broth when reheating. Using a glass or BPA-free plastic container helps maintain freshness and prevents odor absorption from other foods in the fridge.

Freezing

While freezing this creamy pasta is possible, I usually recommend doing so only if you’re planning to eat it within a month. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion. Seal tightly and label with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta might soften somewhat after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently until warmed through and creamy again. Microwaving can be done in short bursts with stirring in between, but occasionally the sauce can separate or become a bit grainy. Avoid reheating at too high heat to prevent drying out the chicken or overcooking the pasta. Taking your time to reheat preserves the dish’s creamy texture and lively flavors beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breast for even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the skillet might result in unevenly cooked pieces.

Can I substitute the penne pasta with other types?

Absolutely! Farfalle, rotini, or rigatoni all work wonderfully for holding onto the creamy pesto sauce. Just be mindful that different shapes may have slightly different cooking times.

Is it necessary to add cream cheese?

Cream cheese adds a lovely richness and creaminess to the sauce that sets this recipe apart. If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with heavy cream or mascarpone, but the texture and flavor will be a bit different.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, with some substitutions. Use plant-based cream cheese and milk alternatives, replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegan pesto made without Parmesan. This will still taste delicious but keep it plant-based and dairy-free.

How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper?

The crushed red pepper adds a gentle kick that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely if you prefer no heat.

Conclusion

I genuinely hope you give this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe a try because it has been one of my all-time favorites for quick, satisfying meals. It truly makes weeknight dinners feel special without any complicated steps or mess. Creamy, flavorful, and comforting, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do!

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe