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 for a family dinner and it quickly became a weeknight favorite. The combination of chicken, pasta, and that fresh basil aroma was an instant hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 boneless, skinless (about 400 g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Penne pasta: 350 g
- Heavy cream: 200 ml
- Parmesan cheese: 40 g grated
- 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: for garnish (optional)
- Extra grated Parmesan: for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 100 ml of pasta water.
- Sauté Chicken:
- While the pasta cooks, 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 Aromatics:
- 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, mixing until smooth.
- Return Chicken:
- Return cooked chicken to skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add 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 recipe was a fun way to get my kids helping in the kitchen. They love sprinkling on the cheese and grabbing extra basil leaves for garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pasta with a light green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the rich sauce.
Ingredient Swaps
Try using sun-dried tomato pesto for a flavorful twist or swap chicken for shrimp if you prefer seafood. For a vegetarian option, use sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Save This creamy pesto penne with chicken delivers robust Italian flavor in every bite. It's sure to become a family favorite for fast, comforting dinners.
Cooking Questions
- → How do I ensure the penne cooks perfectly al dente?
Cook the penne in boiling salted water according to package instructions, usually around 11 minutes, and test a piece a minute before the suggested time for firmness.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for the sauce?
Absolutely, fresh homemade basil pesto adds vibrant flavors and can be easily stirred into the creamy sauce for an authentic touch.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken evenly?
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper, until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- → How can I adjust the sauce if it's too thick?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to the skillet while tossing the pasta and chicken until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- → What garnishes complement this dish well?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add fresh aroma and a rich finish to enhance the creamy pesto coating.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Try substituting half-and-half or whole milk for a thinner, lighter sauce without losing the creamy texture.