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Embarking on a culinary adventure in your kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. The One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe is the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. This dish combines tender chicken, aromatic garlic, fresh tomatoes, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a creamy pesto sauce that tantalizes the taste buds. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it also promises a burst of flavors that will leave you and your family looking forward to dinner.

One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta

Discover the joy of cooking with this easy One-Pan Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and flavorful pesto in a creamy sauce. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also requires minimal cleanup, making family dinners a breeze. With just one pan, you can create a delicious meal packed with nutrition and flavor that everyone will love. Get ready to impress!
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or fusilli work well)

2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup baby spinach

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pan in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

    Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until aromatic.

      Add Tomatoes & Pasta: Toss the halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften. Next, pour in the uncooked pasta, stirring to combine with the garlic and tomatoes, ensuring even distribution.

        Pour in Broth & Cream: Carefully add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let it cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

          Add Pesto & Spinach: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir in the basil pesto and baby spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, mixing until the spinach wilts and is evenly distributed throughout the dish.

            Finish with Cheese: Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Stir well to combine until everything is creamy and heated through. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve: Serve generous portions of the creamy pesto chicken pasta into bowls. Optionally, garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious one-pan masterpiece!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4