Oh, you know that feeling, right? When that big, undeniable craving for a hearty chicken dinner just hits you, and nothing else will do? I totally get it. For so long, I felt like I had to choose: delicious comfort food or sticking to the dietary needs my son had to navigate, especially with gluten sensitivities and managing blood sugar. But I’m here to tell you, you can have both! What I cook when I crave chicken recipes are those dishes that hit all the right notes – they’re satisfying, packed with flavor, and thankfully, they absolutely work for our family’s needs. It’s all about finding those magical recipes that make everyone happy around the table, without any worry.
My personal journey started a few years back when my son, who’s dealing with some pretty specific dietary needs, would watch his friends dig into amazing chicken dishes and feel left out. It really hit me hard. So, I rolled up my sleeves and got cooking, determined to create chicken meals that were not only safe but just as delicious as anything else. I tweaked and tested until I found gems like the juicy, flavorful Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne you’ll see here. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice an ounce of taste when you’re cooking for a family with restrictions. These recipes are my little secrets for satisfying those chicken cravings, every single time.
Why This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is a Go-To
When that chicken craving strikes and life’s already busy, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is my absolute hero dish. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!
- Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, maybe even less if you’re quick! Perfect for those crazy weeknights.
- Easy Peasy: Minimal steps, maximum flavor. You basically cook the chicken, then make the sauce and pasta all in one pot. Less washing up is always a win!
- Flavor Explosion: That creamy pesto sauce is just dreamy. It coats every piece of pasta and chicken in this rich, herby goodness.
- Diet-Friendly Hero: This is where it really shines. It’s fantastic for gluten-free needs, and you can easily tweak it to be lower in carbs or fit other friendly eating styles, making it a dream for families with different requirements.
What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes: The Ingredients
So, when those chicken cravings hit hard, this is my go-to recipe. It’s all about building layers of flavor with simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
For the Chicken
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ pieces
- 3/4 tsp. Kosher salt
For the Pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 3/4 cups water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz. penne pasta
- 1 oz. finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup)
- 2/3 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade works great!)
For Serving
- A handful of fresh basil, if you’re feeling fancy (optional!)
Trust me, having these on hand makes whipping up this fantastic chicken dish a breeze!
Crafting Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness cooking! It’s honestly way simpler than it sounds, so don’t be intimidated. First off, grab your medium skillet and get it over medium heat. Drizzle in that extra-virgin olive oil. Once it’s warm, toss in your chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with that 3/4 teaspoon of Kosher salt. Now, just cook them, stirring now and then, until they’re nicely browned and an instant-read thermometer says they’ve hit 160°F. This usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes total. Pop that cooked chicken onto a plate for a moment; it’s just resting.
Now, using that same skillet (less washing, yay!), toss in your finely chopped garlic and those crushed red pepper flakes. Stir them around until you can smell that amazing aroma, which is just about 30 seconds. Next, add your water, the heavy cream, and another 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Let this mixture come to a gentle simmer. Time for the penne! Once the liquid is simmering, add the pasta. Keep stirring occasionally. You want the pasta to be perfectly al dente and the liquid to reduce down into a lovely sauce that coats everything really well. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t dry out too much!
Once the pasta is right, stir in your grated Parmesan cheese and that reserved chicken. Toss everything together until the cheese is all melty and the chicken is heated through, which only takes about 2 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat. Now for the best part – fold in that glorious pesto! If your sauce seems a little too thick, just add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches that perfect creamy consistency. Give it a taste and add a little more salt if you think it needs it. Toss on some fresh basil if you have it, and voilà! Dinner is served. Here’s a great resource for easy pasta ideas: easy chicken pesto pasta recipe.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
Okay, so you’ve made it this far, and you’re ready to make this dish sing! Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up that I think make all the difference. Following these really helps get that perfect texture and flavor every time.
Use Quality Pesto
Seriously, the pesto is the star here, so don’t skimp! A really good quality store-bought pesto can be amazing, but if you have a favorite homemade version, even better. It makes a huge difference in the overall taste.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
This is a big one for any pasta dish, but especially creamy ones. Cook the penne until it’s just al dente, meaning it still has a little bite. It will continue to cook a bit in the sauce, and nobody likes mushy pasta, right?
Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce Texture
If your sauce looks a little too thick after adding the Parmesan and chicken, don’t panic! Just stir in a little bit of water, a tablespoon at a time, until it loosens up beautifully. This is also a great place to use a tiny bit of the pasta cooking water if you have some leftover. Some folks are looking to get that perfect sauce consistency, and I’ve found that understanding things like how to make a perfect gluten-free roux can be super helpful for creamy dishes in general.
Dietary Adaptations for What I Cook When I Crave Chicken Recipes
You know, one of the best things about this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is how darn adaptable it is! When I’m thinking about what I cook when I crave chicken recipes, I need them to fit into our family’s life, and that often means tweaking things for diet needs. For gluten-free living, just swap out the regular penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Seriously, there are so many amazing options out there now that hold up beautifully! If you’re keeping an eye on carbs or sugar content, you might find options like zucchini noodles (zoodles!) or even some high-fiber pastas work wonderfully. Want more ideas for low-carb, gluten-free meals? Check out this amazing list; it’s full of inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions About This Chicken Recipe
Got more questions about this amazing chicken dish? I totally get it! It’s always good to have those little details ironed out. Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make this a gluten-free weeknight dinner easily?
Absolutely! The easiest way to make this a gluten-free weeknight dinner is to simply swap out the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free penne. There are so many great options available now that taste just like the real thing and hold up perfectly in this sauce!
Is this recipe family friendly, even with picky eaters?
Yes, this is super family-friendly! The creamy pesto sauce is usually a big hit with kids. If you have super picky eaters, you can always serve the pasta and sauce separately for them, or mix the chicken in after they’ve taken their portion. You could also go easy on the red pepper flakes.
What if I don’t have pesto on hand? Can I substitute something else?
While pesto is what makes this dish so special, if you’re in a pinch, you could try a creamy marinara or even a simple garlic-butter sauce. It won’t be quite the same, of course, but it can still be a tasty chicken pasta dish. For other recipe ideas or questions, feel free to get in touch!
How do I store leftovers of this chicken dish?
Leftovers are great! Let the dish cool down completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you might need to add a splash of water or a little extra cream to loosen up the sauce again. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Serving and Storing Your Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne is fantastic right off the stove, but it’s also great for lunch the next day! When I serve it fresh, I love to top it with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil if I have some on hand – it just makes it pop with freshness.
For storing leftovers, let the dish cool down completely first. Then, pop it into an airtight container and into the fridge. It’ll keep well for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just toss it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or a little extra cream. It helps bring that creamy sauce back to life! You can also zap it in the microwave, but give it a quick stir halfway through. Honestly, it reheats just as deliciously – less cleanup is always a win, and you can find more one-pan pasta recipes like this one for easy cleanups.
More Chicken Recipes for When You Crave Them
I know, sometimes you just need MORE chicken, right? Well, you’re in luck! If you love finding new ways to satisfy those chicken cravings while keeping things safe and delicious for everyone, you’ve GOT to check out what I cook when I crave chicken recipes. We’ve got a whole bunch of ideas cooking over here, like a super easy Lemon Herb Chicken Orzo Skillet that’s a weeknight dream, or dive into our full collection of chicken recipe perfection!
Share Your Creations!
Alright, fellow food lovers, I’ve shared my secrets, but now I want to hear from YOU! Did you make this Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne? How did it turn out? Did you add your own special twist? Please leave a comment below and share your experience – I’d absolutely love to hear all about it! You can also learn more about my cooking philosophy here.
Creamy Pesto Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add chicken; season with 3/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and an instant-read thermometer registers 160°, 4 to 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, cook garlic and red pepper flakes, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add water, cream, and 1/2 tsp. salt and bring to a simmer. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is reduced to a sauce that coats the pasta, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and chicken and toss until cheese is melted and chicken is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in pesto; if sauce feels dry, add water, 1 Tbsp. at a time, until a creamy sauce forms. Season with more salt, if needed. Top with basil (if using).
Notes
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellness Specialist
I never thought I’d leave my career as a corporate litigation attorney, but a panic attack in a courthouse bathroom changed everything. After struggling with emotional eating for over a decade—starting in college and getting worse through the stress of law school—I realized that no diet could fix what was really going on inside me.
My breakthrough came through mindfulness meditation training. Working with Jon Kabat-Zinn’s protocols, I discovered that my relationship with food reflected deeper patterns of anxiety and perfectionism that I’d been avoiding for years. That’s when I understood that sustainable eating changes require internal transformation, not just external rules.
Now I treat meal preparation as meditation practice. My “Mindful Kitchen” workshops help people transform ordinary cooking into opportunities for self-awareness and emotional healing. I’ve developed over 180 recipes designed for slow, mindful preparation—complex enough to keep you present, simple enough not to overwhelm your nervous system.
I believe food becomes medicine when we approach it with presence rather than reactivity. The kitchen can be our monastery if we choose to enter it with reverence.