If you’re craving a comforting chicken pasta dish but don’t want to wash a mountain of dishes, this one-pot chicken pesto pasta is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and comes together in just one pan. Less mess, more taste.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, beginner cooks, or anyone who wants a warm, hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.
Why One Pot? Why Now?
One pot meals are trending for a reason—they’re fast, satisfying, and reduce cleanup to a single pan. This one combines juicy chicken, fresh (or jarred) pesto, tender pasta, and creamy sauce in one go.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups uncooked short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (jarred or homemade)
- Grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and chili flakes. Cook until browned (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in cream and pesto. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan and basil.
Tips for Success
Short pasta like penne or fusilli works best in one-pot recipes because it cooks evenly and holds sauce well. You can substitute the cream with milk or plant-based alternatives for a lighter version. For a variation, try it with shrimp or roasted veggies.
If you want a creamy pasta recipe without using cream, check out this recipe which uses a lighter approach without compromising on flavor.
Can you cook chicken and pasta in the same pot?
Yes, and that’s what makes this recipe so convenient. The chicken is sautéed first, and then the pasta cooks in the same pan, absorbing the broth and flavors without the need for extra cookware.
Does pesto go well with chicken?
Absolutely. Pesto is rich, herby, and slightly nutty, which pairs beautifully with tender cooked chicken. You’ll find a similar flavor combo in our easy chicken pesto pasta recipe, which uses separate pots but the same base ingredients.
How to make creamy pesto pasta in one pot?
Let the pasta cook in broth until tender, then stir in cream and pesto. This method avoids curdling and produces a smooth, rich sauce. You can adjust the cream amount based on how thick you want the sauce.
What pasta shape works best in one-pot meals?
Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or even macaroni are ideal because they cook fast and absorb flavor well. In our chicken rice in rice cooker recipes, we explore how grains behave in a similar way.