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 creamy pesto penne & chicken for a last-minute family dinner, and it quickly became a favorite. The kids especially love how the sauce clings to every bite of pasta.
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 pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 100 ml pasta water.
- Prepare chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces season with salt and pepper and sauté for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook vegetables:
- In the same skillet add 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 heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in pesto and Parmesan cheese mixing until smooth.
- Combine chicken and sauce:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Add pasta:
- Add drained penne to skillet tossing to combine. Use reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Finish and serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
Save Whenever I serve this dish the table always feels extra festive. Everyone asks for seconds and the fresh basil on top is always the first to disappear.
Required Tools
Large pot large skillet chef 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 This pasta is delicious both freshly served or reheated the next day. Bright basil and creamy sauce make every bite special.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How do I achieve the perfect al dente penne?
Cook the penne in well-salted boiling water according to package timing, usually 10-12 minutes, until it offers a slight bite without being too soft. Drain carefully and reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- → Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and olive oil will add a vibrant and fresh flavor that enhances the sauce beautifully.
- → What’s the best way to keep chicken tender and juicy?
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, without overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- → How can I adjust the sauce thickness?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the creamy pesto sauce gently while stirring, achieving the desired consistency without thinning out the flavor.
- → Are there good substitutes for heavy cream in the sauce?
For a lighter texture, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner in consistency.