Save to Pinterest 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 creamy pesto chicken penne for a last-minute family dinner, and it became an instant favorite thanks to its comforting flavors with minimal effort.
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 (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 of pasta water.
- Cook chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté onion & garlic:
- 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 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.
- Mix pasta:
- Add drained penne to skillet and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water if needed for sauce consistency.
- Finish and serve:
- Season with more salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Save to Pinterest Whenever my family gathers on a chilly evening, this dish brings everyone together—the aroma alone lets everyone know dinner will be delicious.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 620 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein, for a satisfying and balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to complete your Italian-inspired dinner.
Allergen Advice
This recipe contains dairy, wheat, and potentially nuts from the pesto. Always check ingredient labels if serving guests with allergies.
Save to Pinterest This creamy pesto penne & chicken is guaranteed to please and ready in under an hour—the perfect comfort food to share with loved ones.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I cook the penne pasta perfectly?
Boil the penne in salted water until al dente, usually 10-12 minutes depending on the brand. Drain and reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto for this dish?
Yes, store-bought basil pesto works well and saves time, but homemade pesto can enhance freshness and flavor.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken pieces?
Sauté chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- → How can I lighten the creamy sauce?
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a thinner, lighter sauce without sacrificing too much richness.
- → What if I want a different pesto flavor?
Try using sun-dried tomato pesto to add a tangy twist that complements the creamy texture beautifully.
- → How should I garnish the dish?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add brightness and enhance the rich flavors just before serving.