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One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta - one pot pasta recipes

I’ve always had a soft spot for dinners that don’t demand a sink full of dishes afterward, and this one hits the sweet spot. Picture tender pasta swirling in a creamy pesto sauce, with chunks of juicy chicken tucked between bites. It’s the sort of meal you can throw together after a long day without feeling like you’ve signed up for a kitchen marathon. The beauty here is how everything happens in one pot. You start with chicken that browns just enough to smell amazing, then pasta joins the party and soaks up all the flavors as it cooks. By the time you stir in that pesto and cream, the sauce clings to every piece like it’s been planning this moment all along. This isn’t just dinner. It’s a sigh of relief at the end of a busy day. Whether you call it one of your go-to one pot pasta recipes, a lifesaver from the list of One Pot Pasta Meals, or a hero among One Pot Dinner Ideas, it belongs in your weeknight rotation. It’s quick, satisfying, and the kind of comfort that makes you linger a little longer at the table.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Easy One Pot Dinners, One Pot Dinner Ideas, One Pot Dinner Recipes, One Pot Pasta Meals, One Pot Pasta Recipes, one-pot recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta of choice
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden on all sides.
  2. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally until tender.
  5. Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and pesto, and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Serve topped with grated Parmesan and fresh basil.