Chicken Pesto Pasta: A Creamy Yet Simple Luxurious Dish
Get a delicious chicken pesto pasta recipe below!
Transform your weeknight dinner into something extraordinary with this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta.
Tender chicken, creamy pesto sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together for a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make.
What started as a creative solution to use up leftover pesto has become a staple in my home.
With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is more than just a dinner—it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll keep coming back to it:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings or last-minute meal planning.
- Rich and Flavorful: The basil pesto blends with heavy cream to create a sauce that’s both herby and luxuriously creamy.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, it’s versatile enough to suit a variety of tastes.
- Minimal Cleanup: With the chicken and sauce cooked in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Pesto Pasta
This recipe is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or rotini work wonderfully to hold the creamy sauce. Use your favorite shape!
- Pesto: High-quality store-bought pesto or homemade basil pesto provides the dish’s vibrant flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce rich and velvety. Substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the sauce. Avoid pre-shredded varieties for the smoothest texture.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish with a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Butter and Olive Oil: A blend of butter and olive oil ensures rich flavor and prevents burning while cooking the chicken.
Optional add-ins include cherry tomatoes, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve to guests. Here’s how to make it:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set it aside.
2. Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the pesto, followed by the heavy cream. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss to incorporate. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, or even a drizzle of extra pesto for added flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
Storing and Reheating
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even tastier!
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or water to loosen the sauce as needed.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Here are some ideas:
- Add Veggies: Incorporate sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or mushrooms for extra texture and nutrients.
- Swap the Protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even crispy tofu for a new spin.
- Experiment with Pesto: Try sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or almond-based pesto for unique flavors.
- Turn Up the Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lighten It Up: Use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream for a tangy, lighter sauce.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with your favorite combinations!
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook for 5–7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the pesto and heavy cream, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil before serving.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a simple yet indulgent dish that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is. Let me know how you customize it to make it your own!
