If you’re ready to fall in love with a dinner that feels fancy but takes barely any time at all, this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine succulent bites of chicken, tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta and cloaked in a lusciously creamy basil pesto sauce—finished with juicy bursts of cherry tomato and a shower of Parmesan. The comfort level is off the charts, and yet, it’s so very easy to whip up, whether for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together. This dish is everything you crave in a pasta—rich, balanced, colorful, and packed with the kind of flavor that makes you want to grab a second helping before you’ve even finished your first.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward list of ingredients; each one plays a star role, building layers of flavor and texture for the ultimate bite. Don’t skip or skimp on any part—everything blends together for pasta perfection!
- Pasta (12 ounces penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape; penne or fettuccine both catch the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the chicken and adding a touch of richness.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound, boneless and skinless): Cut into bite-sized pieces so every forkful includes juicy, tender protein.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aroma and depth, no substitute for fresh garlic’s kick!
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to that silky, decadent sauce you want to twirl your fork through.
- Basil pesto (1/2 cup, prepared): Store-bought or homemade, it’s the herby heart of your sauce and brings a gorgeous pop of green.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Salty, nutty, and totally essential for creaminess and bold flavor.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to bring out all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For a little background warmth that highlights everything else.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved; optional): These add lovely bursts of sweetness and a dash of color—highly recommended!
- Fresh basil or extra Parmesan (optional): Garnish to finish with freshness or extra cheesy goodness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta. Cook it according to package directions, aiming for al dente so it holds up beautifully in the sauce. Don’t forget to save a splash of pasta water before draining—this can help loosen or adjust your sauce later as needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta bubbles away, heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook them until they’re golden on the outside and perfectly cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. A little color means extra flavor, so let them brown slightly!
Step 3: Add Garlic
Sprinkle the minced garlic over the chicken and sauté for about 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells amazing—just be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream, and add the basil pesto and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and just starting to thicken. You’ll see the sauce transform, becoming incredibly luscious and fragrant after 3–4 minutes of gentle simmering.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Bring back your cooked pasta and toss it straight into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Turn and mix until every noodle is glossy and coated. Add a little reserved pasta water if it’s too thick. If you’re using cherry tomatoes, stir them in now so they just warm through while keeping their fresh bite.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve immediately, hot from the skillet. For the best finish, sprinkle over fresh basil, more grated Parmesan, or both. The vibrancy and flavor this adds make the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe extra special and irresistible right at the table.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Top each plate with a handful of fresh basil, a crack of black pepper, and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil or some toasted pine nuts on top brings even more flavor and crunch.
Side Dishes
For a classic Italian-American dinner, serve up your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad and slices of warm, crusty bread. Roasted or grilled veggies—zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers—are excellent companions, too.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to level up presentation, try serving individual portions in shallow bowls with a swirl of extra pesto. Or, for a rustic family-style feel, pile everything onto a big platter and let everyone dig in. Leftovers can be served chilled as a pasta salad for a totally different twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld overnight, making it just as crave-able the next day. If the sauce thickens, a splash of milk or cream when reheating brings it back to life.
Freezing
While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when frozen, this pasta actually does quite well. Cool leftovers completely, then freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or milk as needed to restore the creamy texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Stir frequently so the sauce stays smooth and the chicken warms through evenly.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pesto for this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto works wonderfully here, especially on weeknights. If you have homemade, even better—but don’t hesitate to use a high-quality jarred version; it still infuses loads of vibrant flavor.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and fettuccine are classic choices because they grip the sauce well, but honestly, just about any short or long pasta you love will work great in this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Definitely! Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also add extra veggies like spinach or sautéed mushrooms to bulk it up while lowering calories.
Is this recipe nut-free?
If you use a nut-free pesto (and double-check your Parmesan), this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is a fantastic nut-free dinner option. Always check packaging if serving someone with allergies.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Adding pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver. Just toss it in after making the sauce, so it warms through without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about how easy and crowd-pleasing this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is—truly, it’s the dinner you’ll want to share with friends and family, time and again. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new classic in your kitchen!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a rich and satisfying Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful pesto, and creamy sauce over al dente pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- fresh basil or extra Parmesan for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
- Sear the chicken: Brown chicken in olive oil, season, and cook until done.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, add cream, pesto, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta with sauce, add tomatoes if desired, and warm through.
- Serve: Garnish with basil or Parmesan and enjoy hot.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream.
- Enhance with spinach or sautéed mushrooms for added vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
