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For this dish, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup basil pesto - 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving These ingredients come together to create a creamy and flavorful pasta dish. The chicken adds protein, while the basil pesto gives it a rich taste. The tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness. You don’t need fancy gear for this recipe. A few basic tools will work great: - Large pot or Dutch oven - Wooden spoon or spatula - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board These tools help you cook everything in one pot, making clean-up easy. A large pot allows the pasta and sauce to mix perfectly. Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavors. Here are my top picks: - Salt - Black pepper - Fresh basil leaves - Grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper bring out the taste of the chicken and pasta. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely touch at the end. The grated Parmesan adds a creamy finish. Using these ingredients and equipment will help you make a delicious One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. Enjoy the simple steps and the delightful taste! Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it to be browned and cooked all the way through. Once it looks good, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. This step adds a nice flavor. Next, stir in 1 cup of cherry tomatoes that you have halved. Cook this mix for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften a bit. After that, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and let it simmer. Then, add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of basil pesto. Stir well until everything blends nicely. Now, it is time to add the pasta. Use 12 ounces of penne or fusilli. Make sure the pasta is submerged in the sauce. Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente and soak up most of the liquid. Once done, take it off the heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your creamy pesto chicken pasta! To make a rich and creamy sauce, start with heavy cream. This gives the dish a smooth texture. When you add the basil pesto, make sure to mix it well. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. If you want a bit of tang, add a squeeze of lemon juice. It brightens the dish and balances the creaminess. Use a large pot for this recipe. It makes cooking and mixing easier. Dice the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps it cook faster. You can prep the garlic and tomatoes while the chicken cooks. This way, you save time and avoid extra dishes. If you want to save even more time, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Just add it in when you mix in the broth. You can swap out chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. If you don’t have heavy cream, use half-and-half or milk. Just remember, it may not be as thick. For pasta, penne and fusilli are great, but you can use any shape you like. Finally, if you need a dairy-free option, choose a dairy-free cream substitute. This keeps the dish creamy without the dairy. {{image_2}} You can easily boost the nutrition of your One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta by adding vegetables. Consider using spinach, broccoli, or zucchini. These veggies add color, taste, and health benefits. You can add spinach at the end of cooking. It wilts down quickly. For broccoli or zucchini, add them with the chicken. This way, they cook through and absorb all the flavors. Want to switch up the protein? You have options! Try shrimp, tofu, or turkey if you prefer. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice seafood touch. Tofu makes this dish plant-based, perfect for vegetarians. Just make sure to sauté it well. Turkey works great too and keeps it lean. Adjust the cooking times as needed for each protein type. Choosing the right pasta can change the dish. While penne or fusilli works best, you can try others. Bowtie, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta will work. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you select. Whole wheat pasta offers more fiber. You can also use gluten-free pasta for a different texture. Each option gives a unique twist to your creamy dish! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. For reheating, you can use the microwave or the stovetop. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for about one to two minutes, stirring halfway. On the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. This helps bring back the creamy texture. To freeze the dish, pack the cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as mentioned above. This method keeps the flavors intact while making meal prep easy. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and adds flavor. Just choose one without fillers. Look for fresh varieties in the fridge section. You can find many great brands that taste wonderful and make cooking easier. Absolutely! You can use gluten-free pasta. There are many brands that offer great taste and texture. Just check the cooking time, as it may differ from regular pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy dish. To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can also add diced jalapeños for heat. If you prefer, mix in a hot sauce of your choice. This will give your pasta a fun kick! This blog covers the essential steps to make a one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta. We discussed key ingredients, cooking equipment, and how to perfect the creamy sauce. I also shared tips on time-saving techniques and ingredient swaps. You can add veggies or try different proteins for variety. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them for best taste. Enjoy this simple yet delicious meal that's quick and satisfying!

One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Indulge in this one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta that combines flavors you'll love with simple ingredients! In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and rich basil pesto, it’s comfort food at its finest. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore the full recipe and make it tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup basil pesto

12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne or fusilli)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

    Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

      Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to soften them.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.

          Add the heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring until well combined.

            Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook on medium heat for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if necessary.

                Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4