A Quick Dinner Fix
One of my favorite dishes to make, especially on busy weeknights, is Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta. There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of tender chicken and creamy sauce clinging to every piece of pasta. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy a hearty meal. This Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta has become my go-to when I need a quick, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The first time I made it, I was surprised by how easily the flavors melded together.
Bursting with Flavor
The moment the Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta starts cooking, the kitchen fills with the rich aroma of garlic, chicken, and basil pesto. It always takes me back to those evenings when I just wanted something flavorful without spending too much time preparing. The pasta soaks up the chicken broth beautifully, and the addition of cream cheese gives the sauce a silky texture that feels indulgent without being too heavy. I love tossing in some sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for an extra pop of color and freshness, though they’re totally optional.
A One-Pot Wonder
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With everything cooked in one pot, you don’t have to juggle multiple pans or worry about timing. After browning the chicken and adding the garlic, you just let the pasta cook in the broth, soaking up all those savory juices. By the time you stir in the milk, cream cheese, and basil pesto, the dish is almost ready, and it’s just a matter of giving it that final touch with some Parmesan. Watching the sauce come together is always satisfying.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether I’m cooking for just myself or feeding a group, Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta never fails to impress. It’s one of those dishes that feels both simple and special, ideal for a casual weeknight dinner or even when you have friends over. I like to serve it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread on the side to complete the meal. Every bite is comforting, creamy, and bursting with flavor—a true crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to eat.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta
- Cutting the Chicken: Ensure uniform 1-inch pieces of chicken to promote even cooking. This helps prevent overcooking or undercooking parts of the chicken.
- Deglazing for Extra Flavor: After browning the chicken, scrape up the browned bits at the bottom of the pan while adding the chicken broth. This will add depth and flavor to the dish.
- Pasta Cooking Tip: Stir the pasta regularly while simmering to prevent it from sticking to the pan and to ensure it cooks evenly in the broth.
- Creamy Consistency: For a silkier sauce, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the pan. This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Adding Spinach: Fold in the spinach gently at the end to preserve its bright green color and prevent it from wilting too much.
- Customizing Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Add more for a spicier kick or leave it out for a milder flavor.
- Boosting Basil Flavor: Add fresh basil leaves along with the pesto for an extra burst of basil aroma.
Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta
Dive into this quick and creamy basil chicken pasta, perfect for those hectic weeknights! Everything comes together in just one pot and under 30 minutes. This dish is rich, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite. Imagine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious basil sauce all mingling together in harmony. It’s a must-try for any pasta lover!
4
servings5
minutes20
minutes750
kcal25
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Chicken and Seasonings
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
A pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Pasta and Broth
1/2 lb penne pasta
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Dairy and Pesto
1 cup whole milk
3 oz cream cheese cut into chunks
1/3 cup basil pesto
- Cheese and Optional Add-Ins
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
1/4 cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- Aromatics
2 cloves garlic minced
- Alternative Ingredients:
Chicken Breast: Substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
Milk: Substitute with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Cream Cheese: Use dairy-free cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
Parmesan Cheese: Use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Penne Pasta: Substitute with gluten-free pasta.
Directions
- Cooking Chicken – Heat the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes. While the chicken cooks, mince the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cooking Pasta – Add the uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to dissolve any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, stir the pasta briefly, replace the lid, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 8 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the broth is absorbed. Stir every two minutes.
- Making Sauce – Add the milk, cream cheese chunks, and basil pesto to the skillet. Stir continuously over medium heat until the cream cheese has melted completely into the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. If using, add fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat.
- Serving – Top with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- Nonstick Pan
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 750kcal
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 2000IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 300mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQs- Creamy Basil Chicken Pasta
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken. Just add it during the sauce-making step so it heats through without overcooking.
Can I substitute the basil pesto?
If you’re out of basil pesto, you can make a quick homemade version with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil, or try using sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor.
What other pasta shapes work well with this dish?
Short pasta like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle will work well as they hold the creamy sauce and blend with the chicken.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt, and add more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli for added nutrition.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?
Reheat the pasta over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture without drying it out.
