Description
A rich and comforting one-skillet dinner made with tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy basil pesto sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want bold flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces penne pasta, uncooked
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
3 ounces cream cheese, cut into chunks
1/3 cup basil pesto
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Black pepper, to taste
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Optional: 3 cups fresh spinach, 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until lightly golden.
2. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Stir in pasta and chicken broth, scraping the pan.
4. Cover and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
6. Add milk, cream cheese, and pesto, stirring until smooth.
7. Mix in Parmesan cheese.
8. Fold in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes if using.
9. Season and serve warm.
Notes
Stir gently when adding dairy to prevent curdling. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: One-Pot Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American