You know those nights? The ones where a serious chicken craving hits, and you just *need* something comforting, quick, and utterly delicious? I’ve been there! As Michael Davis, MS, RD, Senior Meal Planning Specialist, I’ve developed a real knack for turning those cravings into speedy, satisfying meals. When that hankering for chicken strikes, I have a trusted go-to collection I reach for. These aren’t complicated dishes; they’re simple, fantastic recipes made with pantry staples that satisfy that need for something hearty. It’s exactly What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes – meals that are perfect for busy weeknights and genuinely taste special.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
This dish is just fantastic for so many reasons:
- Super Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, which is honestly a lifesaver for those crazy busy weeknights. Dinner on the table in a flash!
- Flavor Bomb: The creamy pesto sauce is everything! It’s so rich and delicious, and it coats every piece of tender chicken and pasta perfectly.
- So Easy to Make: You’ll basically be cooking in one pan, which means less cleanup for you. Simple steps, maximum deliciousness.
- Family Favorite: Even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this one up. It’s a real crowd-pleaser that everyone seems to love!
What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes: Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne Ingredients
When that chicken craving hits, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is my absolute go-to. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have, or can grab super quickly. Trust me, the flavor combo is just *chef’s kiss*!
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: Good ol’ olive oil to get things started.
- 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces: Make sure they’re bite-sized so they cook up fast.
- 3/4 tsp. Kosher salt: Just enough to season the chicken perfectly.
For the Pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped: Don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s crucial for flavor!
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes: This gives just a tiny little kick without being too spicy for most.
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: This is where the creaminess comes from!
- 8 oz. penne: My favorite shape for this, but use what you have!
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated: Freshly grated absolutely makes a difference here.
- 2/3 cup pesto, store-bought or homemade: I love using a good quality store-bought pesto for speed, but if you have homemade, go for it!
- 1/2 tsp. salt
For Serving
- Fresh basil, optional: A little fresh basil just makes it look and taste even brighter.
My tip: If you can find fresh basil, a little torn over the top at the end really brings out the pesto flavor. It’s such a simple touch, but it elevates the whole dish! You can find more easy recipes over on some of my favorite recipe pages.
How to Prepare Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
Making this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is honestly ridiculously easy, perfect for when you’re tired and hungry. You’re going to love how quickly it comes together!
First things first, get a medium skillet nice and warm over medium heat. Add in that 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Once it shimmers a bit, toss in your 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts that you’ve already cut into 1-inch pieces. Sprinkle them with 3/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt. Cook the chicken, giving it a stir now and then, until it’s nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer says it’s reached 160°F (71°C). This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes total. Once cooked, slide that chicken onto a plate and set it aside for a minute.
Now, in the same skillet (no need to wash it, bonus points!), toss in the 4 cloves of finely chopped garlic and the 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir them around until they smell amazing, which is usually about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Then, pour in the 1 3/4 cups of water and the 3/4 cup of heavy cream. Add the other 1/2 teaspoon of salt too. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Now, add your 8 ounces of penne and let it cook, stirring once in a while, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid has thickened into a lovely sauce that coats everything. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. It’s amazing how quickly that liquid reduces! For more great pasta ideas, check out this easy chicken pesto pasta recipe.
Finally, stir in the 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese and the cooked chicken. Keep stirring until the cheese is all melted and the chicken is warmed through, which should take about 2 more minutes. Take the skillet off the heat, and then gently fold in the 2/3 cup of pesto. If the sauce looks a bit too thick for your liking, just add a tablespoon of water at a time until it’s just the right creamy consistency. Give it a taste and add more salt if you think it needs it. If you’re using fresh basil, give it a rough tear and sprinkle it over the top. Voila! Deliciousness is served. You can find more delicious pasta ideas like this gluten-free pasta primavera here!
Tips for Perfect Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
When I’m making my What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes, especially this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne, a few little tricks really make it shine. It’s all about paying attention to the details!
Firstly, don’t overcook the chicken! It cooks super fast in those bite-sized pieces, so keep an eye on it and pull it out as soon as it hits 160°F. Nobody likes dry chicken, right? Also, pay attention to that pasta cooking time. You want it *al dente*, meaning it still has a slight bite to it. It finishes cooking in the sauce, so if you overcook it in the water, you’ll end up with mush. For more flavor boosters, try making your own popcorn with herbs – it’s a fun snack and really highlights how simple seasonings can change things up! Check out my herb popcorn recipe for inspiration!
Serving Suggestions for What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a meal all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, I’ve got a few ideas! When I’m thinking about What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes, I often pair it with something fresh and light.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, for something a little more special, try these crispy gluten-free zucchini fries – they’re surprisingly addictive! A quinoa salad also works beautifully, adding extra grains and veggies to the plate.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne recipe is pretty forgiving, which is exactly what I love when I need a quick meal! If you’re out of basil pesto, don’t sweat it. You could totally use a sun-dried tomato pesto for a different but still delicious flavor, or even a simple garlic and herb sauce with extra Parmesan if you’re really in a pinch. For the heavy cream, if you want something a little lighter, you could try half-and-half, but be aware it might not be quite as luxuriously creamy. Just a little note from my kitchen to yours!
For more flexible weeknight meal ideas that embrace different flavors, you might enjoy my vegetarian gluten-free stir-fry too!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken Recipe
Got questions about whipping up this creamy chicken dish? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is fantastic for busy weeknights and pretty much universally loved. For even more quick chicken ideas, check out this grilled chicken wrap!
Can I make this creamy pesto chicken penne ahead of time?
You can definitely cook the chicken and pasta separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, just reheat them gently in a skillet with a splash of water or cream and stir in the pesto and Parmesan right before serving. It’s still quick and easy for a weeknight dinner!
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Oh, absolutely! This creamy pesto chicken penne is a total hit with families. The flavors are mild enough for most kids, and you can easily adjust the red pepper flakes if you want to keep it super tame. It’s a great way to get everyone to enjoy a chicken dinner without a fuss.
What if I don’t have pesto?
No pesto? No problem! You can totally swap it out. A jar of sun-dried tomato pesto works wonderfully, or you could even make a creamy garlic herb sauce by sautéing extra garlic and adding some dried herbs like basil and oregano to the cream. Just make sure it’s seasoned well!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is fantastic for lunches the next day! Just pop the cooled pasta into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a tiny splash of water or milk. This helps bring back that creamy texture without making it all gummy. If you’re in a HUGE pinch, the microwave works too, just stir it halfway through!
For more hearty make-ahead ideas, you might like my gluten-free beef stew!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne can change a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the brand of pesto or how much cheese you stir in! But as a rough guide, one serving generally comes in around 550-650 calories, with about 25-35g of fat, 30-40g of protein, and 40-50g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal!
For more healthy meal ideas, check out my smoothie bowl recipe!
Share Your Thoughts!
So, what do you think? Have you tried this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne? I’d absolutely love to hear all about it! Drop a comment below, let me know how it turned out for you, or share your own favorite chicken cravings! You can also reach out through my contact page.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken; season with 3/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and an instant-read thermometer registers 160°, 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, cook garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water, cream, and 1/2 tsp. salt and bring to a simmer. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is reduced to a sauce that coats the pasta, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and chicken and toss until cheese is melted and chicken is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in pesto; if sauce feels dry, add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until a creamy sauce forms. Season with more salt, if needed. Top with basil (if using).
