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One-Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta — Italian Pasta recipe, 30 min, serves 4Italian

One-Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

Published ·Updated ·by ·✓ Editorially Reviewed
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High protein

Tender chicken pieces and penne come together in a vibrant basil pesto sauce, all cooked in a single pot. The pasta absorbs the herby, garlicky flavors as it cooks, making every bite rich and satisfying without any extra effort.

30
min
10
prep
🔥
20
cook
👥
4
servings
520
kcal / serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden on all sides.

6:00
2

Add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in the penne pasta.

2:00
3

Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook the pasta until al dente, stirring occasionally.

10:00
💡 Keep the lid slightly ajar to prevent boiling over.
4

Stir in the basil pesto and heavy cream. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

2:00
5

Remove from heat, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve immediately.

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Common Questions

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Any jarred basil pesto works great in this recipe.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Yes, shrimp or white beans make excellent alternatives.
What if my pasta absorbs all the liquid?
Add a splash of extra broth or water to loosen the sauce before stirring in the pesto.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Fusilli, farfalle, or rotini all work well since they catch the pesto in their grooves.

What to drink with this

🍷
Wine
Chianti Classico or Barbera d'Asti — Italy's medium-bodied reds match tomato acidity perfectly.
🍺
Beer
Italian pilsner like Peroni Nastro Azzurro.
🍸
Cocktail
Aperol Spritz — bitter-sweet aperitif balances rich pasta.
🥤
Non-alcoholic
Sparkling water with lemon and a sprig of basil.

Ingredient substitutions

IngredientReplace withRatioNotes
heavy creamcoconut cream (full-fat, scooped)1:1Dairy-free. Slight coconut flavor — works for curries, less so for European dishes.
evaporated milk + 1 tbsp butter per cup1:1Less rich, but mimics heavy cream in sauces.
parmesanPecorino Romano1:1Saltier and sharper; reduce added salt slightly.
Grana Padano1:1Milder, slightly less aged.
The story behind this recipe ▾
Pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, where fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan are pounded into a vibrant green sauce. Pairing it with chicken in a one-pot format brings weeknight convenience to this beloved Italian classic.
This recipe is for inspiration only. We do not provide food safety, storage, or nutritional advice. Always follow your local food safety guidelines. Check all ingredients for allergens.
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