One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta: 7 Minute Magic

By:

Tasha

October 8, 2025

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Okay, let’s talk about the weeknight dinner MVP: the one-pot meal. You know, those nights when you’re staring into the fridge, completely drained, and the thought of doing a mountain of dishes feels like a personal attack? Yeah, I’ve been there a million times. That’s exactly why I fell head-over-heels for this One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta. It’s the kind of magic that transforms simple pantry staples into something absolutely delicious without a whole lot of fuss. Seriously, it’s become my secret weapon for getting a fantastic, flavorful dinner on the table when time is tight. I’ve tinkered with this recipe quite a bit over the years, trying to get that perfect balance of speed and taste, and trust me, this version is a winner. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or a dozen pans to create a meal your whole family will devour.

Table Of Contents show

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver for so many reasons! It’s the ultimate quick weeknight meal solution when you’re short on time but still want something amazing. Plus, the fact that it’s a one-pot wonder means way less mess and cleanup – my kitchen thanks me for it! You get this incredible burst of fresh, herby pesto flavor that just sings, all wrapped up in a dish that’s incredibly satisfying and comforting. It’s honestly a winner for picky eaters and grown-ups alike!

Super speedy and easy for busy nights
Minimal dishes = happy cook!
Packed with vibrant pesto goodness
Pure comfort food in every bite

Essential Ingredients for Your One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

Alright, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need for this flavor-packed dish. I’ve found that using good quality ingredients really makes a difference here, but don’t stress if you need to make a swap – I’ll give you some ideas in a sec! For this recipe, you’ll want:

About a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces, maybe around an inch big, so they cook evenly with the pasta.
Just a tablespoon of good old olive oil to get things started.
A whole pound of pasta! Penne, rotini, or farfalle are my favorites because they really grab onto that yummy pesto sauce, but use whatever short pasta you have on hand.
Four cups of chicken broth. I usually grab the low-sodium kind so I can control the saltiness myself.
A whole cup of pesto. Whether it’s your favorite store-bought jar or a batch you whipped up yourself, make sure it’s a good one!
Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll want a little extra for sprinkling on top when you serve it, too.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, just to taste.
And if you’re feeling fancy, some fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Ingredient Notes and Smart Substitutions

Now, about those ingredients! If you don’t have chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully too. They might just take a few extra minutes to cook through, so keep an eye on them. As for the pasta, seriously, any short shape will do the trick – rigatoni, fusilli, shells, you name it! The pesto is really the star here, so use one you love. If you’re trying to avoid nuts, just grab a nut-free version or whip up your own using sunflower seeds instead of pine nuts. And if you’re making this totally vegetarian, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for the chicken broth. Easy peasy!

How to Prepare Your One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! Making this pasta is honestly a breeze, and the best part is, it all happens in one pot, so cleanup is a snap. Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time.

Searing the Chicken

First things first, grab your favorite big pot or Dutch oven. Drizzle in that tablespoon of olive oil and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them cook, stirring them around every now and then, until they’re beautifully browned on all sides. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, and it really locks in that yummy chicken flavor.

Cooking the Pasta and Creating the Base

Now for the magic to really happen! Add your uncooked pasta right into the pot with the browned chicken. Then, pour in all four cups of chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta isn’t sticking together and that it’s all submerged in that flavorful broth. Now, crank up the heat and bring the whole mixture to a rolling boil. You want to see those bubbles!

Simmering to Perfection

Once it’s reached a good boil, it’s time to turn the heat down. Lower it to medium-low – you just want a gentle simmer. Pop the lid on tight. Let it cook away for about 15 to 20 minutes. Make sure you give it a stir every few minutes, especially towards the end, to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is perfectly al dente – tender but still with a little bite – and most of that liquid has been soaked up into the pasta. It should look nice and saucy, not soupy!

Finishing Touches for Ultimate Flavor

Okay, we’re almost there! Take off the lid and stir in that delicious cup of pesto and the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until everything is beautifully combined and that sauce is looking rich and creamy, coating all the pasta and chicken. Let it heat through for another minute or two, just until everything is warm and melded together. Oh, the smell!

Seasoning and Serving

Now it’s time to taste! Grab a fork and give it a little sample. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper until it tastes just right for you. Remember, the pesto and broth already have some salt, so taste before you go too crazy! If you’ve got some fresh basil leaves handy, sprinkle them over the top for a gorgeous pop of color and an extra burst of freshness. Serve it up right away, piping hot!

Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

Okay, so you’ve got the recipe, but to make it truly *sing*, there are a couple of little things I always keep in mind. First off, make sure your pot is big enough! Trying to cram everything into a pot that’s too small is a recipe for disaster – the pasta won’t cook evenly, and you’ll get sticky clumps. Trust me on this one. If, by chance, your pasta is looking a bit dry before it’s cooked through, don’t panic! Just add a little splash more broth or even some water, maybe a quarter cup at a time, until it’s cooking nicely. And the pesto? Oh, the pesto! It’s the heart and soul of this dish, so using a really good quality one makes a *huge* difference. It’s worth splurging a little or making your own if you have the time!

Making Your One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta a Meal Prep Dinner

This one-pot wonder is a total lifesaver for busy weeks because it’s just as delicious as leftovers! Seriously, I often make a double batch just so I have easy lunches or dinners ready to go. The key is to let it cool down completely before you even think about packing it away. Once it’s at room temperature, spoon it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for about three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just give it a gentle reheat. I love warming it up on the stovetop with a tiny splash of broth or water to loosen things up, but the microwave works great too. Just heat it until it’s warmed all the way through!

Frequently Asked Questions about One Pot Chicken Pesto Pasta

Got questions about this super easy dish? I’ve got answers! This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is so versatile, and people always ask me about making it their own. So, let’s dive in!

Can I use a different type of pasta? Oh, absolutely! While penne, rotini, and farfalle are my go-to for grabbing all that yummy pesto, feel free to use whatever short pasta shape you have lurking in your pantry. Just make sure it cooks within the time frame suggested, or adjust as needed. It’s still a fantastic Quick Weeknight Dinner no matter what shape you choose!
How do I make this a Healthy Family Dinner? This is already pretty good for you, but you can boost the health factor even more! Try swapping in whole wheat pasta for a fiber kick, and definitely stick with that low-sodium chicken broth. And why not sneak in some extra veggies? Spinach or small broccoli florets are amazing additions – I’ll tell you more about that in the tips!
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? You bet! This is where the fun really begins. Spinach wilts in beautifully during the last few minutes of cooking. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of freshness, and small broccoli florets are also a great choice. Just toss them in during the last 5-10 minutes of simmering, and they’ll cook right along with the pasta.
Is this a Comfort Food Pasta? YES! If you’re looking for pure Comfort Food Pasta bliss, this is it. That creamy pesto sauce combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta just hugs you from the inside. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate and can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and how much you *might* sneak for extra cheese (no judgment here!). But generally, for about a quarter of this recipe, you’re looking at:

Calories: Around 650
Fat: About 25g
Protein: A solid 40g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 70g
Sodium: Around 900mg

Keep in mind, these are just estimates to give you a general idea!

For more delicious recipe ideas, check out our Pinterest page!