Name: One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces; 12 oz penne or rotini pasta; 1 can artichoke hearts, drained; 1/3 cup fresh basil pesto; 3/4 cup light cream or half-and-half; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

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One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes is the ultimate comfort meal that brings creamy richness, wholesome ingredients, and weeknight convenience together in a single pot. It’s a perfect harmony of flavor and nutrition, making it a satisfying go-to for busy families.

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes – Healthy & Flavorful

The bright, tender artichokes add freshness and texture, while the luxurious pesto sauce coats each piece of chicken and pasta in a velvety, herb-filled creaminess. In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this dish, learn the simple steps to prepare it, explore versatile variations, and get expert tips on serving and storage—all for one unforgettable, easy dinner.

Why One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Wins Every Time

When Comfort and Convenience Meet – My Go-To Weeknight Dish

I first discovered One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta on a particularly hectic Tuesday evening—the kind of night when every minute counts, and takeout feels like the only option. I had a few simple ingredients on hand: chicken breast, some pesto, a can of artichokes, and a box of pasta. Moments later, one comforting idea became a family staple.

The beauty of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity. You toss everything into one pan, let it simmer, and out comes a hearty, creamy meal that tastes like you’ve spent hours cooking. For me, it quickly became the ultimate weekday savior—a dish that shortened cleanup, required minimal effort, and still felt like a warm hug at the dinner table.

Now, whenever the week gets busy, this dish makes a repeat appearance. There’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing that this wholesome dinner comes together in under 30 minutes and leaves just one pot to wash. From hectic work days to cozy weekends, One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta has turned into a reliable classic that my family requests often. It’s the kind of meal that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated—and that a flavorful, nourishing dinner can be ready with very little fuss.

How Artichokes and Pesto Bring Magic Together

What elevates this dish from ordinary to unforgettable is the beautiful balance between the creamy pesto sauce and the tender artichoke hearts. Together, they turn Chicken Artichoke Pesto Pasta into something special. The pesto, bursting with basil, garlic, and Parmesan, wraps around the pasta in a luxurious green coating. Then come the artichokes—soft yet tangy, adding brightness that cuts through the creaminess and keeps each bite lively and satisfying.

The result is a Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish that never feels heavy. Each mouthful combines the rich texture of the pasta with the light, herby flavor of the pesto and the delicate tartness of the artichokes. That trio builds depth and variety in every forkful. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and refreshingly uncomplicated.

This layering of textures and tastes makes Chicken Artichoke Pesto Pasta stand out as an ideal choice for One Pot Dinners. The creaminess comforts, the artichokes uplift, and the pesto ties every ingredient together like a culinary harmony. Whether cooked for a family meal or prepped for the week, this dish always brings a touch of brightness and home-cooked joy to the table.

Ingredients and Preparation

Essential Ingredients for a Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish

The success of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta comes down to fresh, high-quality ingredients that layer flavor into every bite. Below is a clear table of what you’ll need—along with smart substitution ideas so you can adapt this Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish to your pantry or dietary needs. Fresh basil pesto and tender artichokes make the biggest difference here, giving that signature brightness and creamy depth.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes / Alternatives
Boneless Chicken Breast	2 (about 1 lb)	Substitute with chicken thighs for richer flavor or use rotisserie chicken for convenience
Pasta (penne or rotini)	12 oz	Choose whole grain or gluten-free pasta for extra nutrition
Artichoke Hearts	1 can (drained)	Marinated artichokes add extra tang; frozen or jarred hearts also work
Fresh Basil Pesto	1/3 cup	Homemade pesto yields the freshest flavor, but quality store-bought versions save time
Light Cream or Half-and-Half	3/4 cup	Replace with milk mixed with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for dairy-free options
Parmesan Cheese	1/4 cup (grated)	Optional but adds creaminess and saltiness
Olive Oil, Garlic, Salt, Pepper	To taste	For seasoning and a flavorful base
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth	2 cups	Helps cook the pasta evenly and enhances the sauce
Fresh Spinach (optional)	1 cup	Stir in for added greens

Freshness Tip: Use vibrant, bright-green pesto and firm, flavorful artichokes. These two ingredients transform the texture and taste of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta, making it restaurant-worthy while staying healthy.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sear until golden on both sides—about 4–5 minutes. This develops flavor for your Chicken Artichoke Pesto Pasta.
Add Garlic for Aroma: Stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Combine Broth, Cream, and Pasta: Pour in chicken broth and light cream. Add dry pasta and bring to a gentle boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate Artichokes: Fold in drained artichoke hearts once pasta is al dente. Their mild tang balances the creamy sauce that defines Pesto Pasta With Artichokes.
Stir in Pesto and Cheese: Lower the heat, add pesto and Parmesan, stirring until glossy and creamy. Adjust thickness with a splash of broth if needed.
Season and Finish: Taste, adjust with salt, pepper, or lemon juice, and garnish with Parmesan or fresh basil.

One-Pot Advantage: Everything cooks in one pot, capturing every bit of flavor while minimizing dishes. This makes One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta one of the easiest One Pot Dinners—a real weeknight hero.

Perfecting the Pesto Flavor

Smart Variations for Every Taste or Diet

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta easily adapts to preferences and diets. Here are ways to adjust this Pesto Pasta With Artichokes to suit your table:

Vegetarian: Substitute chickpeas or white beans for chicken for a protein-packed meatless option.
Gluten-Free: Use pasta made from brown rice or lentils; the sauce grips just as nicely.
Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and a dairy-free pesto; replace Parmesan with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast.
Low-Carb: Swap in zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, stirring near the end so they stay tender.
Extra Greens: Mix in spinach, kale, or peas for brightness and added nutrients in this Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish.

Each variation maintains balance—pesto’s herby charm, artichokes’ tang, and the ease of single-pot cooking—ensuring your One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta always fits your lifestyle.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas: Serve with salad or roasted vegetables for contrast; top with basil or red pepper flakes for spice.
Storage: Cool fully, store airtight up to four days. Reheat gently with broth to restore creaminess. For meal prep, portion into containers. Freeze pesto separately for future One Pot Dinners.

Simple to adapt and stress-free to store, this Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish remains flavorful, nourishing, and perfect for sharing any night of the week.

FAQs & Conclusion

FAQs About One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes

Can I use store-bought pesto? Yes. A fresh basil pesto with olive oil and Parmesan works great. Homemade pesto adds extra vibrancy if you have time.

How can I make it lighter? For a lighter Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish, use milk or almond milk and add Greek yogurt for body. You’ll retain creamy texture with fewer calories.

Can it be made vegan? Replace chicken with chickpeas, use dairy-free pesto, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to keep this Pesto Pasta With Artichokes 100% plant-based.

How long do leftovers last? Store sealed for up to four days. Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the sauce. The flavors meld beautifully.

Which pasta type is best? Short pasta—penne, rotini, fusilli—grabs the sauce and artichokes best. Whole-grain or gluten-free works equally well in One Pot Dinners.

Bringing It All Together – Why This One Pot Dinner Belongs in Your Kitchen

One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes is everything a weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a Healthy Pesto Chicken Dish that blends comfort with freshness: creamy pesto for richness, bright artichokes for lift, and tender chicken to keep you full.

This Chicken Artichoke Pesto Pasta marries ease with taste, giving you restaurant quality in minutes. It represents the best of One Pot Dinners—less cleanup, more joy, and a meal everyone loves.

Grab your pot, stir through that silky green sauce, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. Create your own version of One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta with Artichokes tonight and enjoy a healthy, flavorful dinner that feels like a little celebration.