Description: Make weeknight cooking effortless with this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta bursting with flavor from tender chicken, artichokes, and a rich creamy pesto sauce. A Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish perfect for cozy One Pot Dinners—simple, satisfying, and ready to impress. Discover the details.
When weeknights feel rushed but you’re craving something flavorful and comforting, a One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes is the delicious answer. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a creamy, herb-filled masterpiece that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen. With tender chicken, tangy artichokes, and a luscious creamy pesto sauce, every bite delivers the perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
In this guide, you’ll discover the story behind this dish, the detailed recipe, handy cooking tips, creative variations, and answers to common questions—making dinnertime simpler and more satisfying, no matter how busy the day feels.
Why This One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Works Every Time
A Family Favorite: The Origin of This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
The first time I made One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, it was out of pure necessity. I had leftover pesto, a few chicken breasts, and a jar of artichokes tucked in the back of the pantry. With little time to spare, I tossed everything into one large skillet, hoping for a quick dinner. What emerged became a family favorite. The creamy pesto sauce coated the pasta perfectly, the chicken turned tender and juicy, and the artichokes added a bright, unexpected tang. From that moment, this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta earned a permanent place in our weeknight tradition.
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One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This one-pot pasta combines tender chicken, tangy artichokes, and a silky creamy pesto sauce for a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner. Ready in under an hour, it streamlines cooking and cleanup without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken cubes with salt and pepper and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
6. Add pasta and cook uncovered over medium heat until most of the broth is absorbed, about 10 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in heavy cream, warming for 1 minute.
8. Add pesto and grated Parmesan, stirring until a smooth creamy pesto sauce forms.
9. Return chicken to the skillet and coat with the sauce.
10. Gently fold in artichoke hearts and spinach, if using, and cook for 2–3 minutes.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
12. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 14
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 115
Keywords: one-pot creamy pesto chicken pasta, pesto chicken pasta, creamy pesto sauce, chicken artichoke pasta, one pot dinners, weeknight meals
Every time it hits the table, it brings comfort and connection. The aroma of fresh basil and garlic fills the kitchen, while the sauce feels indulgent without being heavy. It’s the dish we turn to on both rushed evenings and relaxed weekends—proof that simplicity and flavor can live harmoniously in one pot.
Why Artichokes and Pesto Are the Perfect Pair
What makes this Chicken Artichoke Pesto Pasta so memorable is the partnership between creamy pesto and tender artichokes. The pesto’s earthy base of basil, nuts, parmesan, and olive oil creates a velvety foundation, while artichokes bring brightness and a gentle tang that lift every bite. Together, they balance richness with freshness—an irresistible combination that delights from the first forkful to the last.
Visually, the pale greens of the artichokes contrast beautifully with the glossy pasta coated in creamy pesto sauce. Every bite delivers a layered experience: savory chicken, herbaceous basil, the warmth of garlic, and the tangy spark of marinated artichokes. This One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes captures everything great about comfort food—easy, flavorful, and impossible not to love.
Cooking Made Easy — One Pot, One Perfect Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need for a Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
The magic of a One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient builds upon the last to create a dish that’s creamy, aromatic, and full of life. Focus on fresh basil, juicy chicken, and quality parmesan for best results.
| Category | Ingredient | Measurement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1½ lbs | Cut into bite-size cubes |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing | |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Season lightly while cooking | |
| Pasta | Short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle) | 12 oz | Holds sauce beautifully |
| Chicken broth | 3 cups | Adds depth of flavor | |
| Sauce | Heavy cream | 1 cup | Creates the rich base |
| Prepared pesto | ½ cup | Homemade or high-quality store-bought | |
| Garlic cloves | 2, minced | Fresh for best aroma | |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | Finely grated for a creamy finish | |
| Add-Ins | Artichoke hearts | 1 can (14 oz) | Drained and quartered |
| Baby spinach (optional) | 1 cup | Adds color and nutrients | |
| Toppings | Extra parmesan | For serving | Melts at the end |
| Fresh basil leaves | Few sprigs | For garnish |
Why freshness matters: Using high-quality pesto made from real basil, garlic, nuts, and cheese truly elevates your One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta. Paired with juicy chicken and tender artichokes, the flavors stay vibrant and satisfying from start to finish.
How to Cook One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
- Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season lightly, and cook until lightly golden, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Build the flavor base: In the same pan, add a touch of oil and minced garlic. Sauté 30 seconds. Pour in the broth, gently scraping up any brown bits to release flavor.
- Simmer the pasta: Add pasta directly to the pan. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until most liquid is absorbed.
- Add the cream and pesto: Lower heat. Stir in cream, then pesto, until a silky Creamy Pesto Sauce forms. Return the chicken to coat thoroughly.
- Fold in artichokes: Add artichoke hearts and spinach (if using). Heat 2–3 minutes, season to taste, and finish with parmesan and fresh basil.
- Keep it gentle: Once cream is added, don’t boil. Low heat ensures a smooth sauce.
- Add cheese gradually: Stir parmesan slowly for a glossy, stable Creamy Pesto Sauce.
- Use sturdy pasta: Penne or rotini hold the sauce well, giving each bite balance.
The result is luscious and full-bodied—a skillet of tender chicken, creamy pesto, and bright artichokes that promises comfort in every serving.
Tips, Variations & Healthy Options for Pesto Chicken Pasta
Smart Cooking Tips for the Creamiest Pesto Sauce
The secret to an irresistible Creamy Pesto Sauce lies in care and attention. Keep the temperature low once dairy joins the pot. Layer cream first, then pesto, so the sauce remains smooth. If it thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of starchy pasta water. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-grated varieties—keeping your Creamy Pesto Sauce silky. For reheating, use low heat and add milk or broth to revive the creamy consistency without losing flavor.
Healthy and Flavorful Variations of Chicken Artichoke Pesto Pasta
- Gluten-free: Use rice- or corn-based pasta and reduce cooking time slightly.
- Low-carb: Try zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta—light yet satisfying.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan pesto with nutritional yeast.
- Veggie-loaded: Add spinach, sundried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and texture.
- Protein twist: Shrimp, turkey, or tofu adapt easily for a fresh take on Pesto Chicken Pasta.
These creative adjustments prove that One Pot Dinners can be both healthy and indulgent—tailored to any lifestyle without compromising flavor.
FAQs & Conclusion — Everything You Need to Know About Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes, just choose one made with real basil, parmesan, and olive oil to ensure restaurant-quality flavor.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating? Keep the heat low after adding dairy and pesto, stirring constantly for a unified Creamy Pesto Sauce.
What pasta works best? Penne, rotini, or farfalle hold sauce and ingredients evenly—ideal for this One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta.
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely. Store chilled portions and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth for creaminess.
What proteins can replace chicken? Shrimp, turkey, or tofu are excellent alternatives that complement the pesto and artichokes perfectly.
How can I make it lighter? Use half cream and half milk, plus add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach to keep it bright and fresh.
Final Thoughts: A Simple, Flavorful One Pot Dinner Worth Repeating
This One-Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes blends ease with elegance. Every bite combines tender chicken, zesty artichokes, and comforting Creamy Pesto Sauce in perfect harmony. It’s a reminder that great meals don’t require endless dishes—just one skillet, quality ingredients, and a bit of love. Serve it on busy weeknights or share it with friends; either way, this dish delivers warmth, satisfaction, and the joy of home-cooked simplicity.
