Description
This creamy pesto chicken thigh pasta is rich, comforting, and ready in just 35 minutes. Made with juicy chicken thighs, penne, and a silky pesto cream sauce, it’s the perfect easy weeknight dinner or meal prep pasta recipe.
Ingredients
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
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2 Tbsp butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ lb penne pasta
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1½ cups chicken broth
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1 cup milk
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3 oz cream cheese, cubed
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⅓ cup basil pesto
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
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1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Optional Add-Ins
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3 cups fresh spinach
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¼ cup sliced sun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
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Cut chicken thighs into small, even pieces. Season lightly with pepper.
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Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.
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Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant
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Pour in chicken broth and milk. Add uncooked penne and stir well.
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Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 12–14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add pesto and Parmesan. Sauce should look creamy and glossy
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Stir in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes if using. Cook 1–2 minutes until wilted.
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Finish with crushed red pepper, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve warm
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 748
- Sodium: 1099mg
- Fat: 41g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 41g