{"id":34381,"date":"2023-01-02T13:25:05","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T18:25:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/?p=34381"},"modified":"2023-01-02T13:25:05","modified_gmt":"2023-01-02T18:25:05","slug":"one-pot-creamy-pesto-pasta","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/2023\/01\/02\/one-pot-creamy-pesto-pasta\/","title":{"rendered":"One Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta with Chicken"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-background wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#f9a72b\"><strong>Step up your pasta game with this creamy pesto pasta recipe! <\/strong>Loaded with tender chicken and a silky basil pesto sauce that will have you licking your plate clean, this one pot pasta recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chicken-Peso-Pasta-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Creamy pesto pasta in a white bowl. \" class=\"wp-image-34383\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Say goodbye to boring pasta nights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As someone who values their time in the kitchen, <strong>one pot pasta recipes are a lifesaver.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They&#8217;re incredibly easy to make and require minimal cleanup, which is always a plus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This creamy pesto pasta is one of my favorites. It was<strong> inspired by the pesto gnocchi that I enjoyed in Cinque Terre a few years ago.<\/strong> Pesto is a regional specialty there, and it really made me appreciate the beautiful simplicity of this flavorful basil sauce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it feel like a special occasion meal, even on a weeknight. Every time I make this recipe, I&#8217;m transported back to that little coastal town in Italy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re a fan of fast and easy dinners that are full of flavor, you&#8217;re definitely going to want to try this recipe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buon appetito!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-70f3d7d2\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"img\" height=\"1em\" width=\"1em\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M478.21 334.093L336 256l142.21-78.093c11.795-6.477 15.961-21.384 9.232-33.037l-19.48-33.741c-6.728-11.653-21.72-15.499-33.227-8.523L296 186.718l3.475-162.204C299.763 11.061 288.937 0 275.48 0h-38.96c-13.456 0-24.283 11.061-23.994 24.514L216 186.718 77.265 102.607c-11.506-6.976-26.499-3.13-33.227 8.523l-19.48 33.741c-6.728 11.653-2.562 26.56 9.233 33.037L176 256 33.79 334.093c-11.795 6.477-15.961 21.384-9.232 33.037l19.48 33.741c6.728 11.653 21.721 15.499 33.227 8.523L216 325.282l-3.475 162.204C212.237 500.939 223.064 512 236.52 512h38.961c13.456 0 24.283-11.061 23.995-24.514L296 325.282l138.735 84.111c11.506 6.976 26.499 3.13 33.227-8.523l19.48-33.741c6.728-11.653 2.563-26.559-9.232-33.036z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-text-color wp-block-heading\" style=\"color:#0071a1\"><a>What you&#8217;ll love about this recipe:&nbsp;<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ready in 30 minutes. <\/strong>Perfect for busy foodies with a tight schedule!<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Budget-friendly<\/strong>. This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easy clean up. <\/strong>Only one pot to wash!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chicken-Peso-Pasta-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make one pot creamy pesto pasta. \" class=\"wp-image-34382\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ingredients you\u2019ll need:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chicken Breasts. <\/strong>To add filling protein to this easy dinner recipe. You could also use chicken thighs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Garlic. <\/strong>You can never have too much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pasta.<\/strong> I like to use penne for this recipe because the creamy pesto sauce clings to all of the ridges so nicely. You could also use something like rigatoni. You can sue a different pasta shape, but it might effect the cooking time. Just keep an eye on it; when the pasta is al dente, move on to the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Chicken Broth.<\/strong> Cooking the pasta in chicken broth gives it even more flavor. You can use water instead, but you&#8217;ll want to add some salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Heavy cream or Half and Half.<\/strong> It wouldn&#8217;t be creamy pesto pasta without cream!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cream cheese.<\/strong> This adds even more creaminess and helps the pesto sauce thicken and cling to the pasta.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pesto.<\/strong> I used jarred pesto, but homemade pesto works too if you&#8217;re lucky enough to have it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Baby Spinach.<\/strong> For added color and nutrition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-not-stacked-on-mobile is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/one-pot-pesto-pasta-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Sauteeing chicken in a large pot. \" class=\"wp-image-34396\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/one-pot-pesto-pasta-5-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Pouring in the pasta.\" class=\"wp-image-34399\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/one-pot-pesto-pasta-4.jpg\" alt=\"Adding broth. \" class=\"wp-image-34398\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/one-pot-pesto-pasta-2-2-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Adding pesto and cream cheese. \" class=\"wp-image-34395\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to make it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Brown <\/strong>the chicken in a little olive oil, then remove it from the pan so it doesn&#8217;t overcook. To cut down on dishes, I use my pot lid as a plate to hold the chicken until I&#8217;m ready to use it again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Simmer <\/strong>the pasta, broth, and cream in the same pot until the pasta is tender.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stir <\/strong>in the pesto sauce, cream cheese, spinach, and chicken. Cook a few minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is warmed through.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2493cfd4\"><span class=\"gb-icon\"><svg xml:space=\"preserve\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\" y=\"0px\" x=\"0px\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M23.6,5c-1.2,0-2.3,1.1-2.3,2.4v85.3c0,2,2.6,3.1,4.1,1.7L50,69.7l24.6,24.6c1.5,1.5,4.1,0.3,4.1-1.6V7.4  c0-1.3-1.1-2.4-2.4-2.4H23.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"gb-headline-text\">Busy Foodie Tip<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Pro chefs add reserved pasta cooking water to their sauce. The starches in the water help thicken it and give it a luscious, velvety texture. One pot pasta recipes like this one work on the same principle, with the cooking liquid creating the sauce as it reduces.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Variations:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Use leftover grilled chicken<\/strong> instead of cooking fresh chicken. Start at Step 2 and add the chicken at the end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tired of chicken? <\/strong>Top this pesto pasta with cooked shrimp instead.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you like a little heat<\/strong>, add 1\/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic in step 2. Saut\u00e9ing them in oil will help their flavor bloom, resulting in a more complex and layer flavor than if you just sprinkle them on at the end.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If you want more vegetables,<\/strong> you can add yellow squash, zucchini, or halved cherry tomatoes to the sauce.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scatter toasted pine nuts or walnuts <\/strong>over the top for a little bit of crunch.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Turn it into a cold pasta salad<\/strong> by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight and then stirring in 1\/3 cup of white wine vinegar. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chicken-Peso-Pasta-7-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Extreme closeup view of one pot chicken pesto pasta. \" class=\"wp-image-34388\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"faqs\"><strong>Frequently asked questions <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632692599561\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong><strong>Can I make this pasta ahead?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes! This creamy pesto pasta is actually one of my favorites pasta for reheating.<br\/>For the best results, add a few tablespoons of milk or cream and reheat in a covered pan over medium heat. The additional cream will help loosen the sauce, so it&#8217;s just as good as it was on day 1.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632695442839\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How should I store leftovers?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1632695603958\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I use a different type of pasta?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can, but different pasta shapes and sizes will effect the cooking time. Ignore the package directions and move onto the next step when the pasta is al dente.<br\/><br\/><strong>As a point of reference:<br\/><\/strong><em><strong>Spaghetti<\/strong> <\/em>will take 9-10 minutes.<br\/><strong><em>Bowties (farfalle)<\/em><\/strong> take 11-12 minutes.<br\/><em><strong>Mini shells<\/strong> <\/em>take about 12 minutes.<br\/><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1655327228723\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What should I serve with it?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">This creamy pesto pasta is a full meal on its own, but if you can never go wrong with a leafy green salad or some crusty bread.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1672681568150\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is there something I can use instead of cream cheese?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you don&#8217;t have cream cheese, you can use soft goat cheese, but it will add a tangier flavor to your sauce. You could also stir in a few tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt.<br\/><br\/>Or just leave it out. The sauce won&#8217;t be quite as creamy, but it will still be delicious!<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1672681582505\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I make this recipe vegetarian?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Sure! Skip the chicken and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth as your cooking liquid.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1672681598184\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes! Just make sure the pasta is completely submerged in the broth and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 4 minutes, then carefully remove the cover and stir in the remaining ingredients.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1672681619324\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How does one pot pasta work? What is this magic?\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When you boil pasta, it absorbs some of the water as it cooks. For one pot pasta, you use the exact right amount of liquid to rehydrate the pasta without leaving a ton of excess that needs to be drained. (It does feel a little magical!)<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More one pot pasta recipes<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/cacio-e-pepe-recipe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10-Minute Cacio e Pepe<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/sausage-and-eggplant-pasta\">Sausage and Eggplant One Pot Pasta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/sausage-and-broccoli-one-pot-pasta\">One Pot Sausage and Broccoli Pasta<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/lemon-ricotta-pasta\">One Pot Lemon Ricotta Spaghetti<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/thebusyfoodie.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/Chicken-Peso-Pasta-3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Two white bowls filled with creamy pesto chicken pasta. \" class=\"wp-image-34384\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Loaded with tender chicken and a silky basil pesto sauce, this one pot pasta recipe is ready in under 30 minutes!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":34383,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[33,27],"tags":[41],"class_list":["post-34381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dinner-recipes","category-stovetop-recipes","tag-30-minute-meal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34381"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34381\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.thebusyfoodie.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}