Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne (Printable)
Tender chicken, pesto, pasta, and parmesan come together for a rich, comforting dish in just 25 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Protein
01 - 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
→ Pasta & Sauce
02 - 12 ounces penne pasta
03 - 3/4 cup prepared pesto
04 - 1/2 cup light cream
05 - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
→ Pantry
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Black pepper, to taste
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# Method:
01 - Boil penne pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions; drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
03 - Reduce heat to low, then stir in prepared pesto and light cream until fully incorporated.
04 - Add drained penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly in the creamy pesto sauce.
05 - Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Quick and easy to make
- Deliciously creamy and satisfying
02 -
- This recipe contains dairy, wheat (gluten), and nuts from pesto
- Check your pesto label carefully for possible allergen variations
03 -
- Swap cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and color