Here’s a delicious and easy One-Pan Garlic Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe! It’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
One-Pan Garlic Chicken Pesto Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 12 oz penne or your favorite pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. (The internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C.)
- Remove the chicken from the pan, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the pasta to the pan and enough water to cover it (about 4 cups). Bring to a simmer and cook the pasta according to package instructions, stirring occasionally. Make sure the pasta absorbs the liquid as it cooks, and add more water if necessary.
3. Make the Sauce:
- Once the pasta is cooked and tender, reduce the heat to low.
- Stir in the heavy cream and pesto, and mix everything together to coat the pasta.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and well-combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Return the sliced chicken to the pan, mixing it in with the pasta and sauce.
- Let everything heat together for a minute or two, and then serve immediately.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Pasta Choice: Penne works well, but you can use any type of pasta, such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti.
- Pesto: If you prefer homemade pesto, blend together fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
This One-Pan Garlic Chicken Pesto Pasta is creamy, flavorful, and quick to make—a great weeknight dinner that’s easy to clean up! Enjoy!