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1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Pesto and Liquid:
- Pour in the pesto, chicken broth, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta to the skillet and stir well to ensure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the skillet and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
5. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
- Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and thicken the sauce.
6. Serve:
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect One Pot Pesto Chicken Pasta:
- Chicken Variations: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.
- Homemade Pesto: If you have the time, try making your own pesto using fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and a bit of lemon juice. The homemade version will add an extra depth of flavor.
- Pasta Choices: While penne or fusilli are great choices, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta.
- For a Lighter Version: You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for a lighter pesto recipe or reduce the amount of oil in the pesto.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Minimal Cleanup: The beauty of this dish is that everything is cooked in one pot, meaning fewer dishes to wash at the end of the meal.
- Creamy & Flavorful: The combination of pesto and heavy cream creates a velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. The chicken adds a protein boost, making this a well-rounded meal.
- Customizable: This recipe is easy to adapt based on what ingredients you have on hand. Add vegetables like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a simple dinner for yourself, this One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Quick, flavorful, and comforting—what’s not to love? Enjoy!
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