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- 12 oz penne pasta - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cooked chicken breast - 1/2 cup basil pesto - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic - Salt and black pepper - Fresh basil leaves Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish tasty. The penne pasta serves as the base, soaking up all the flavors. Chicken broth adds depth and richness. Cooked chicken breast brings protein and heartiness. Basil pesto gives that fresh, herby flavor that ties it all together. The heavy cream makes the dish creamy and smooth. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh spinach offers nutrition and a nice green touch. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick that enhances the overall flavor. For seasoning, I use extra virgin olive oil for cooking. The minced garlic adds a fragrant touch. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnishing, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Each ingredient works together to create a simple yet delightful meal. - Sautéing the garlic: Start by pouring extra virgin olive oil into a large pot. Heat it over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about one minute. You want the garlic to smell good but not brown. If it browns, it can taste bitter. - Measuring the broth and pasta: Next, grab your chicken broth. Measure out two cups. Also, measure 12 ounces of penne pasta. This step helps keep your cooking smooth and easy. - Simmering the chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot with garlic. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. You want it to bubble lightly, not boil hard. - Adding penne pasta: Add the penne pasta to the simmering broth. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking together. - Incorporating chicken and cream: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, add one cup of shredded chicken and heavy cream to the pot. Stir well to mix everything evenly. - Adding pesto and spinach: Lower the heat and let it cook for 3 to 5 more minutes. This helps the flavors mix together. Finally, stir in half a cup of basil pesto and one cup of chopped spinach. Mix until everything is well-combined. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. To cook pasta perfectly, aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. For penne, this usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on the clock, and taste a piece to check doneness. This will help you get it just right. Stir the pasta often while it cooks. This will help prevent it from sticking together. A quick stir every few minutes keeps the pasta separate and ensures even cooking. If you want a lighter option, you can swap heavy cream. Use half-and-half or coconut milk for a different flavor. Both options give a creamy texture without the heaviness. For pesto, you can use store-bought or homemade. If you want a change, try sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto. These add unique flavors to your dish. When serving, use shallow bowls for a nice touch. Top each bowl with extra cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto for a pop of color. This makes the dish look even more appealing. As for side dishes, a fresh green salad pairs well with this pasta. You can also serve it with garlic bread or crusty rolls. These sides add to the meal and make it feel special. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, consider turkey. It works well and has a nice flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for added ease. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and help make the dish satisfying. You can boost the flavor with spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can bring a new taste. Adding other vegetables also helps. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli. Just chop them and mix them in during cooking for a colorful meal. Not a fan of penne? You can use whole grain pasta. It adds more fiber and has a nutty taste. Gluten-free pasta is also a great option if you need it. You can choose different shapes too. Fusilli or farfalle can make the dish fun and unique. Each shape will soak up the sauce differently, giving you a new experience every time! Store your One Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent sogginess. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space for expansion. It stays good for about two months. For reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. This helps restore creaminess. You can make this dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for quick meals. Aim for serving sizes of about one to two cups per meal. This way, you can enjoy it throughout the week. It’s perfect for busy nights or lunch at work. To make this dish dairy-free, you can easily swap out the cheese and cream. Use a dairy-free cream like coconut cream or cashew cream. For cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese blend. These options still give a creamy texture and flavor without dairy. Yes, you can use homemade pesto! Making fresh pesto is simple and tasty. Blend fresh basil, garlic, nuts, olive oil, and nutritional yeast or cheese. Adjust the flavors to your liking. Fresh pesto adds a bright and vibrant taste to your dish. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. This pasta dish goes well with light salads or crusty bread. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is refreshing. Garlic bread is also a great choice to soak up the creamy sauce. You can even serve it with roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for making One Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta. You learned about ingredient swaps, variations, and storage options. Emphasizing ease and flavor makes this dish great for anyone. Try it your way to create a meal that fits your taste. Enjoy exploring new flavors and sharing this dish with others!

One Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta

Indulge in a creamy pesto chicken pasta delight that’s sure to impress! This easy recipe combines tender penne, juicy chicken, and fresh ingredients for a mouthwatering meal in just 25 minutes. With rich flavors from basil pesto and a touch of cream, it’s perfect for any night. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this dish will be a hit. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner experience today!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)

1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to let it brown, as this can give a bitter taste.

    Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble lightly.

      Add the penne pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to the package instructions, generally around 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

        When the pasta reaches al dente, incorporate the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and heavy cream into the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

          Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and everything to heat through.

            Once heated, remove the pot from the heat source and gently stir in the basil pesto, chopped spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even distribution throughout.

              Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary for your preference.

                Allow the pasta to sit for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly before serving, enhancing the creamy texture.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                      Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant touch, topped with a few more cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto for visual appeal. Enjoy!