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.
Whenever I want to treat my family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen, I turn to this creamy pesto penne & chicken. It always delivers crowd-pleasing flavors and comforting nostalgia.
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 in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente following package instructions. Drain and reserve 100 ml of pasta water.
- Cook chicken:
- While pasta cooks heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5 6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare aromatics:
- In the same skillet add 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 chicken to skillet and toss to coat in sauce.
- Add pasta:
- Add drained penne to skillet tossing to combine. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Finish & serve:
- Season with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately garnished with basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save My kids love helping toss the pasta in the creamy sauce—it's always a hit when we gather around the table for this meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad and crusty bread for a complete Italian-inspired dinner. A glass of Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon also complements the flavors nicely.
Ingredient Variations
Swap half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter version. Try sun-dried tomato pesto or add sautéed veggies like spinach for extra color and taste.
Nutrition Facts
Each serving provides about 620 calories, 27 g fat, 58 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.
Save Let the creamy sauce coat every bite and enjoy this Italian comfort classic any night of the week!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne pasta is ideal as its tube shape holds the creamy pesto sauce well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- → Can I use homemade pesto for the sauce?
Absolutely, homemade basil pesto enhances freshness and flavor, but store-bought pesto works well for convenience.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook the chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, avoiding overcooking which can dry it out.
- → Is there a way to make the sauce lighter?
Yes, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, noting that the sauce will be thinner but still flavorful.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components separately and combine them just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What is the best way to garnish this dish?
Fresh basil leaves and extra grated Parmesan add brightness and enhance the creamy pesto’s richness when sprinkled on top.