Skip to Content
Home » Blog » Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta

Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta

Love it? Pls Share it!

This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I use and love. Read the full disclosure here

Last Updated on November 1, 2021 by Alaina

Today’s post featuring a Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta recipe has been sponsored by momsmeet.com. Regardless, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links.

Tender chicken and penne pasta are covered in a rich, creamy pesto sauce and topped with parmesan cheese in this Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta recipe that is so simple, yet so delicious!

Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta dinner in pot with jar of Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto next to it

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN PESTO PENNE PASTA

This Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta is one of those dinners that is perfect for busy weeknights. You only need a handful of ingredients to make it. It’s ready in under 30 minutes. Yet it tastes as though you spent hours in the kitchen!

You will find the complete ingredients and detailed instructions in the free printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Disclosure: This blog post contains affiliate links for products or services I think you’ll like. This means if you make a purchase from one of these links, I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. P.S. I only recommend products that I use and love.

close up of chicken pesto penne pasta dinner in pot

KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE CHICKEN PESTO PENNE PASTA

This delicious dish calls for just a few common ingredients whose flavors meld together beautifully.

  • Olive Oil
  • Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto
  • Chicken breasts – boneless, skinless
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Barilla Penne Pasta – cooked according to package instructions
  • Heavy Cream
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Salt – freshly ground
  • Pepper – freshly ground
  • Shredded parmesan (for garnishing) – optional but recommended
  • Fresh Basil (for garnishing) – optional but recommended
chicken pesto penne pasta dinner in pot

INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE CHICKEN PASTA WITH PESTO

It really doesn’t get any easier than this Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta. Just sauté some slices of chicken breast with seasonings. Add in the pesto, heavy cream, parmesan. Reduce the sauce, toss in the tomatoes and cooked pasta. Stir for a few. And, that’s it. You’re done!

STEP ONE: SLICE CHICKEN

Begin by slicing the chicken breasts into 1/2 inch pieces.

STEP TWO: BROWN THE CHICKEN

Heat the olive oil in a pan over high heat. Then add in the chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper, sautéeing until the chicken is browned.

STEP THREE: ADD IN HEAVY CREAM, PARMESAN, AND PESTO

Next, mix in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and Genovese Creamy Pesto, stirring until evenly combined.

STEP FOUR: REDUCE SAUCE

Bring this to a boil and continue cooking until the sauce has reduced, usually about five to seven minutes.

STEP FIVE: ADD COOKED PASTA AND TOMATOES

Now toss in the pasta and cherry tomatoes, stirring until evenly coated. Then remove from the heat.

STEP SIX: SERVE, GARNISH, ENJOY

Now all that’s left is to serve, garnish with some fresh, chopped basil and shredded parmesan, and enjoy!

close up of pasta

ABOUT BARILLA CREAMY GENOVESE PESTO

This creamy, flavorful, and convenient pesto, is perfect for when you’re craving Italian but want something different from the usual marinara.

Imported directly from Parma, Italy, Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto is made with fresh, simple ingredients, including 100% Italian Basil, chopped garlic, and freshly grated Italian cheeses. It is also soy-free, fish-free, and wheat-free.

It has a wonderfully smooth and creamy texture, and an amazing taste.

Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto and Penne pasta

In fact, I usually make my pesto from scratch, but this jar of pesto comes very close in taste and texture. And I love how convenient it is; saving me time on busy weeknights.

WHAT ELSE CAN I MAKE WITH PESTO SAUCE?

This pesto sauce is so versatile, it can be used in all sorts of recipes. And you don’t even have to heat it up! Mix it with your favorite Barilla pasta and grains, use it as a spread on sandwiches or toast, or enjoy it as a dip for veggies and chips. Add a dollop to your favorite salad or use it for marinating meats and vegetables.

Seriously, the possibilities are endless!

Just remember, it’s a small jar of pesto because a little bit goes a long way! #BarillaUS #BarillaPesto #CreamyGeneovese

WHERE CAN I BUY BARILLA CREAMY GENOVESE PESTO?

Barilla Creamy Genovese Pesto is available at Target (SuperTarget), Publix, Meijer, Hy-Vee, ShopRite, Safeway, Stop & Shop (Super Stop & Shop), Albertsons, Vons, and more. To find a store near you, visit momsmeet.link/barillalocate.

MORE PASTA RECIPES

Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta meal in pot with basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves and a jar of pesto sauce around it.
Did you make this recipe

SHOW ME WHAT YOU’VE GOT!

Did you make this tasty Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta recipe? If so, I’d love to see how it turned out!

Nothing makes me happier than seeing your take on my recipes. So please be sure to tag me on Instagram @bullocksbuzz or using #bullocksbuzz!

And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating on the printable recipe card below!

Yield: 4 servings

Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta

chicken pesto penne pasta dinner in pot

Creamy Genovese Pesto sauce, chicken, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, and garlic come together in this one-pot Chicken Pesto Penne Pasta recipe that is so simple, yet incredibly delicious!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive or canola oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
  • 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped
  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt
  • ½ tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup pesto
  • 3 cups penne pasta, cooked and drained
  • ¾ cup cherry tomato, halved
  • shredded parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a pan over high heat. Add in the chicken, garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking until chicken is browned.
  2. Next, mix in the heavy cream, parmesan, and pesto, stirring until evenly combined.
  3. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce has reduced, about five to seven minutes.
  4. Then toss in the pasta and cherry tomatoes, stirring until evenly coated. Remove from heat.
  5. To serve, sprinkle parmesan cheese and basil on top.

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    4

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 583Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 117mgSodium: 874mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 32g

    Nutritional information is automatically calculated with ingredients and serving size and may not be accurate. Please always double check with your own nutritional apps as well.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram and tag @bullocksbuzz

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Random Harvest

    Monday 25th of July 2022

    We were just searching to find an easy Chicken Pesto recipe to test out with our truffle oil. Yours is one of the most comprehensive and delicious looking that we've found. We'll report back how it goes. thanks!

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Skip to Recipe