Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast; 2 Tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 lb. penne pasta; 1.5 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 3 oz. cream cheese*; 1/3 cup basil pesto; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan; Freshly cracked pepper; 1 pinch crushed red pepper; 3 cups fresh spinach; 1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the answer to your busy weeknight dinner dilemmas. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a rich, creamy pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant—without the hefty price tag or endless pot-scrubbing. Minimal effort, maximum flavor, and only one pan to clean? That’s my kind of cooking.

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I’m all about cozy, hearty meals that don’t keep you glued to the stove. Traditional creamy chicken pasta recipes can take a bit longer with their separate steps for boiling pasta, making the sauce, and cooking the protein. But this one-pot shortcut? It’s a game-changer for anyone juggling a busy schedule—it’s quick, efficient, and ridiculously satisfying.

Why This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Is a Game-Changer

Saves time: No need for multiple pots. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, which also means richer flavor in every bite.
Fewer dishes: With just one skillet, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Hands-off moments: Once the pasta is simmering, you’ve got a good 8-10 minutes to prep a side salad or just kick back.
Uses pantry staples: This recipe leans on ingredients like dry pasta, pesto, and cream cheese—things you probably already have on hand.

Trust me, once you try this shortcut, you’ll never make creamy pasta the old-fashioned way again.

Equipment You’ll Need for This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

To make this easy creamy chicken pasta, you don’t need any fancy tools—just a sturdy skillet with a lid. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Deep skillet or wide saucepan: A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold the pasta and sauce without overflowing.
Lid: Essential for trapping the steam and cooking the pasta evenly.
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: Ideal for stirring gently during cooking to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Pro tip: If you don’t already have a skillet with a lid, you can improvise by covering the pan with a large baking sheet. Works like a charm!

Simple Ingredients for One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

This one pot pesto chicken pasta comes together with simple, affordable ingredients. Let’s highlight the MVPs of this recipe:

Chicken breast: A pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast gives this dish its protein-packed base. Feel free to swap in chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
Basil pesto: Store-bought pesto saves time and delivers bold, herby flavor. If you’ve got homemade pesto on hand, even better!
Cream cheese: This is what makes the sauce extra creamy and luscious. A bargain ingredient that takes the dish to gourmet level.
Spinach & sun-dried tomatoes: These add pops of color and freshness, balancing out the richness of the sauce.

Shopping shortcut: Pre-minced garlic and bagged spinach can save you extra prep time without sacrificing flavor.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe Details

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Ingredients

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast ($6.25)
2 Tbsp butter ($0.28)
2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.16)
1/2 lb. penne pasta ($0.67)
1.5 cups chicken broth ($0.20)
1 cup milk ($0.19)
3 oz. cream cheese* ($0.80)
1/3 cup basil pesto ($0.73)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan ($0.44)
Freshly cracked pepper ($0.03)
1 pinch crushed red pepper ($0.02)
3 cups fresh spinach ($0.90)
1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes ($1.10)

*Note: Most cream cheese packaging is marked with ounce measurements, making it easy to portion out exactly three ounces. No guesswork necessary!

How to Make One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch pieces for quick and even cooking.
Melt the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Cover the skillet, bring the broth to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer for about 8 minutes, stirring briefly every 2 minutes to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender and the broth mostly absorbed, stir in the milk, cream cheese (cut into chunks), and pesto. Continue cooking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the grated Parmesan, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts, then remove from heat.
Top with freshly cracked pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper before serving.

Jake’s Tips for the Best One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Pre-slice chicken: To save even more time, buy pre-cut chicken or slice it in the morning and store in the fridge.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Check for doneness at the 7-minute mark to avoid mushy noodles.
Make it ahead: This dish reheats well! Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring the sauce back to life.
Substitution savvy: No spinach? Try arugula or kale. Out of penne? Any short pasta works just as well.
Meal prep: Double the recipe for lunches all week long.

Easy One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Variations

Add mushrooms: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the chicken for an earthy twist.
Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans.
Go spicy: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Use leftover turkey: Perfect for post-holiday meals—just add the cooked turkey during the final steps.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta FAQs

Can I use whole wheat pasta?

Yes! Whole wheat pasta works well; just add an extra splash of broth as it absorbs liquid faster.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Use a plant-based milk and swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.

Will frozen spinach work?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it during the final step.

How do I store leftovers?

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of milk.

What other pastas can I use?

Short shapes like rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni work beautifully in this recipe.

This One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is the perfect time-saving solution for busy home cooks. Give it a try, and let me know—what’s your favorite way to add a personal twist to this classic?