One-Pot Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta
A quick and flavorful one-pot pasta with tender chicken and vibrant basil pesto, perfect for busy weeknights. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, chicken broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into 1-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/3 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb cut chicken breasts and sauté for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Step 2: Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.
- Step 3: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta, stir, reduce heat to medium, and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and most broth is absorbed.
- Step 4: Stir in 1/3 cup basil pesto, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring until sauce thickens and coats pasta evenly.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let sit 2 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Basil Pesto Chicken Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Absolutely fantastic! The basil pesto flavor came through beautifully. My go-to for busy weeknights.
- ★★★★★
So easy and delicious! I made it for my husband and kids, and they loved it. The one-pot method saved me so much time.
- ★★★★★
This recipe was a hit with my family! The pesto was fresh and the chicken was perfectly cooked. Will make it again.
