Description
Creamy chicken pasta brings Italian comfort to weeknight dining. Rich alfredo sauce and tender chicken create a luxurious meal perfect for quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast
Pasta and Dairy:
- 0.5 lb (227 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 3 ounces (85 grams) cream cheese, cut into chunks
- 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Liquids, Seasonings, and Optional Add-ins:
- 2 tablespoons (30 grams) butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) chicken broth
- 0.33 cup (80 milliliters) basil pesto
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper (optional)
- 3 cups (85 grams) fresh spinach (optional)
- 0.25 cup (35 grams) sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
- Dice chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch (2.5 centimeters) cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully placing chicken pieces to achieve a golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
- Add minced fresh garlic and sauté for approximately 45-60 seconds, releasing its aromatic flavors without burning.
- Introduce uncooked penne pasta and low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, using a wooden spoon to scrape and incorporate any caramelized bits from the bottom for enhanced flavor depth.
- Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow pasta to simmer for 8-9 minutes until perfectly al dente.
- Gently incorporate whole milk, softened cream cheese, and vibrant basil pesto, stirring continuously until ingredients meld into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until completely integrated and sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Optional: Fold in fresh baby spinach leaves and julienned sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts and vegetables are heated through.
- Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, then serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Elevate your weeknight dinner with this one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.
- Creamy pesto sauce coats tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a flavor explosion in every single bite.
- Customize your dish by swirling in extra veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
- Grab pre-cut chicken to save time, or slice your own for a more personal touch that feels like a homemade masterpiece.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld and develop their rich, complex profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg