Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 12 oz rotini pasta; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup pesto; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Introduction

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and creamy cheese all in one pot makes cooking and cleanup a breeze.

The dish is a bowl of rotini pasta mixed evenly with green pesto sauce, giving the pasta a textured, slightly chunky appearance. On top of the pasta, there are several pieces of grilled chicken, light golden brown in color with a tender texture, scattered around the center. Above the chicken, finely grated white cheese is sprinkled, adding a light dusting that contrasts with the green of the pesto. At the very top, a sprig of three bright green basil leaves rests in the middle as a fresh garnish. The bowl is white with speckled edges, sitting on a beige cloth and a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup pesto
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the rotini pasta and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed, about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream, pesto, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Return the pot to low heat and warm through to your liking, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Swap rotini for penne or fusilli if preferred; adjust cooking time as needed.
Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier texture.
If pesto is store-bought, choose a high-quality one for the best flavor.
To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A white speckled bowl filled with spiral pasta coated in a green pesto sauce, mixed with light golden grilled chicken pieces spread evenly on top. The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of grated white cheese and three fresh green basil leaves placed centrally. The bowl rests on a beige cloth on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use most short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pasta and ensure your pesto and broth are gluten-free as well. The recipe remains the same otherwise.