You know those nights, right? The ones where only a delicious, satisfying chicken dinner will do? I get it! Finding something quick, packed with flavor, AND that fits into a healthy lifestyle can feel like a challenge. That’s exactly why I developed this incredible Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne. It’s my go-to when I’m craving chicken and need something fast for the table. Seriously, it’s one of the first things that comes to mind when I think, What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes! It all started one super busy evening when I was determined to make a flavorful meal without derailing my healthy eating habits. This dish was born out of necessity and quick thinking, and trust me, it’s a winner!
Why This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a Go-To
Honestly, this dish just hits all the right notes when a chicken craving strikes. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights because it’s so incredibly fast – think delicious dinner on the table in about 30 minutes! Plus, the flavor is just out-of-this-world with that creamy pesto goodness. It’s genuinely a weeknight dinner winner and always a huge hit with the whole family, making it super family friendly. Even better? It fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan, which is a huge bonus when you just want something satisfying without the guilt!
Ingredients for What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes
Alright, let’s get down to the good stuff! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to whip up this amazing creamy pesto chicken penne. Trust me, having everything ready makes the whole process so much smoother.
For the Chicken
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- 3/4 tsp. Kosher salt
For the Sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (just a little kick!)
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2/3 cup pesto (store-bought or your favorite homemade!)
- 1/2 tsp. salt, or to taste
For Serving
- Fresh basil, optional, for a lovely garnish
How to Make This Delicious Chicken Recipe
Alright, let’s get this creamy pesto chicken penne party started! It’s seriously so easy, and the steps flow beautifully. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this dish when you get that chicken craving. Just follow along using this recipe as your guide, and trust me, you’ve got this!
Cooking the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Grab a medium skillet and heat up your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your cut-up chicken pieces and give them a sprinkle of that 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook them, stirring now and then, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. The easiest way to be sure? Pop an instant-read thermometer in there – you’re looking for 160°F. Once it’s done, scoop the chicken out onto a plate. Don’t clean that skillet yet – it’s got all the yummy bits we need!
Creating the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Now, for the magical sauce! In that same skillet (dump out any excess oil if you need to, but leave the browned bits!), toss in your chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir them around until they smell amazing, which is just about 30 seconds. Pour in the water, heavy cream, and the 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good stir and let it come to a gentle simmer. Now, add your penne pasta right into the bubbling liquid. Keep stirring occasionally as the pasta cooks and the liquid thickens into a luscious sauce that coats every single piece. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Patience is key here for that perfect sauce consistency! You can find more great chicken recipes on our site!
Combining and Finishing the Dish
Almost there! Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is looking gorgeous, stir in that finely grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce, then add your cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the cheese is gooey and the chicken is heated through, which takes about 2 minutes. Now for the star: fold in your pesto. If the sauce seems a little too thick, just add a tablespoon of water at a time until it’s perfectly creamy and luxurious. Give it a final taste and add more salt if needed. Top with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy! For more ideas like this, check out this easy chicken pesto pasta recipe.
Tips for Success with What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes
Let’s chat about making this creamy pesto chicken penne absolutely perfect every single time you whip it up. It’s honestly pretty foolproof, but a few little tricks can really elevate it. First off, using good quality pesto makes a huge difference – you can totally use store-bought, but if you have a favorite homemade one, go for it! Also, don’t skimp on the fresh Parmesan cheese; that finely grated stuff melts like a dream and adds so much flavor. When you’re cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, or it’ll steam instead of brown. And remember that pasta cooking time? It can vary a bit, so keep an eye on it and stir often so it doesn’t stick! For more amazing ideas to go with this, check out our side dish recipes!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s talk about a few key players in this dish that you might want to tweak or swap out. The pesto is super important here – if you can’t find your favorite, any good quality store-bought basil pesto will work wonderfully. For the heavy cream, if you’re looking for something a little lighter, you could try half-and-half, but it might not get quite as rich and creamy. I haven’t personally experimented with dairy-free alternatives in this recipe, but a good cashew cream might give you a similar texture. Just remember, these little changes can sometimes affect the final outcome, so have fun experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Craving
This creamy pesto chicken penne is fantastic on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, here are some ideas! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. For something a little more hearty, you can’t go wrong with some garlic bread for dipping up any extra sauce – though for a keto twist, maybe skip the bread! You could also try my super easy Crack Green Beans or some quick Skillet Corn. Whatever you choose, it’s going to be a delicious chicken dinner!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy pesto chicken penne tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day. Let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It should stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm it up in a skillet over low heat, adding a tiny splash of water or cream if it seems a little thick. A quick zap in the microwave works too!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken Recipe
Got questions about making this creamy pesto chicken penne? I’ve got you covered! It’s one of my favorite dishes because it’s so versatile and forgiving. Here are some things people often ask, and for more insights, you can always check out what I’m up to over at Mark Williams’ recipes!
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can totally prep some components ahead of time, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! You can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to two days. You can also chop your garlic and measure out your dry ingredients. The sauce itself is best made fresh, right when you’re ready to cook the pasta, to get that perfect creamy texture.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
This recipe uses penne pasta, which is definitely not keto-friendly. However, it’s super easy to adapt! Just swap out the regular penne for your favorite keto pasta alternative, like zoodles (zucchini noodles), shirataki noodles, or even spaghetti squash. The creamy pesto chicken sauce itself is pretty keto-friendly, so switching the pasta makes it a fantastic option!
What kind of pesto is best for this dish?
Honestly, any good quality basil pesto will work like a charm! If you have a favorite store-bought brand, go for it. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, a homemade pesto using fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil is heavenly and adds an extra special touch when you’re craving the best chicken!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic here. They tend to stay a bit more moist and have a richer flavor. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into bite-sized pieces, just like the chicken breasts. The cooking time might be slightly longer, so use that instant-read thermometer to be sure they reach 160°F.
Nutritional Information
While I’m all about deliciousness and ease, I know you’re curious about the numbers! For one serving of this creamy pesto chicken penne, you can estimate roughly 550-650 calories, around 30-40g of fat, 35-45g of protein, and 30-40g of net carbs (depending heavily on your pasta choice and pesto brand). Remember, these are just estimates, and your mileage may vary!
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).
