Quick & Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

Comfort arrives in a delightful swirl of creamy chicken pesto pasta that instantly transports you to an Italian kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces dance through ribbons of perfectly cooked pasta, embracing a rich, herbal sauce.

Basil-packed pesto creates a vibrant green backdrop for this delectable meal.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that blend seamlessly together.

The creamy sauce coats every strand, ensuring maximum taste in every bite.

Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese add the perfect finishing touch to this irresistible dish.

Chicken Pesto Pasta You’ll Want to Make Again

• Whip Up Quick Weeknight Wonder: Dive into a hassle-free meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families craving delicious comfort food.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or keep it vegetarian – this versatile recipe adapts to every taste preference and dietary need.
• Transform Leftovers into Magic: Breathe new life into leftover chicken by turning it into a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish that feels like a brand-new meal.
• Impress Without Stress: Elevate your home cooking game with a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes sophisticated but requires minimal culinary skills.

Everything for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: The foundational element that provides a delicious carbohydrate carrier for the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté the chicken and creates a smooth cooking base.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to enhance the overall dish.
• Pesto Sauce: A rich, herbal sauce that provides a vibrant green color and intense herb taste.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth texture for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Offers a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright note to the finished pasta.

Steps to Creamy Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get your pasta cooking according to the package directions.

You want it perfectly al dente.

Once it’s done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in the chicken and cook it until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is completely cooked through.

Sprinkle some salt and pepper to give it that extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Toss the minced garlic into the skillet.

Let it sizzle and dance for about a minute until it releases its amazing aroma and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Pesto sauce

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Watch as the sauce starts to thicken and become gloriously creamy.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix it thoroughly.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything until each pasta strand is beautifully coated in the creamy pesto goodness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with some fresh basil leaves.

Serve the pasta warm and get ready to dive into a plate of pure deliciousness.

Pro Tips for Pesto Pasta Lovers

• Use high-quality, homemade or store-bought pesto for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and enhance overall taste.
• Add pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, helping to create a silky, smooth texture.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Try different hard cheeses like pecorino romano or aged gouda for unique flavor variations.

Ways to Remix Pesto Chicken Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Variation: Substitute chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled tofu for a protein-packed meat-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Spin: Add sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to create a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Arrange pasta on white plates, artfully twirling noodles with tongs for a restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
• Fresh Side Salad Pairing: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Wine Companion Selection: Pair with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herb-packed pesto and creamy sauce’s flavors.
• Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Serve warm, rustic Italian bread on the side to soak up extra sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the meal.

Pesto Pasta Storage Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might separate slightly, but it’s still safe to eat.
• Transfer pasta to a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the pasta is steaming hot.
• Place pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and continuously to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Warm for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal as they hold the creamy pesto sauce beautifully and create perfect bites.

• Can I use store-bought or homemade pesto?

Both work great! Store-bought pesto saves time, while homemade gives a fresher flavor. Choose basil-based pesto for the most authentic taste.

• Is it possible to make this dish healthier?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, use grilled chicken breast, and add extra vegetables like spinach or roasted cherry tomatoes for more nutrition.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy chicken pesto pasta delivers Italian-inspired flavors straight to your dinner table. Rich herbal notes blend seamlessly with tender chicken, creating a quick weeknight meal that satisfies deep hunger while promising delightful culinary memories.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup pesto sauce

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta in salted boiling water following package directions until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Introduce chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and sear until golden brown and completely cooked through, roughly 7 minutes per side.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and introduce finely chopped garlic, allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 45-60 seconds.
4. Pour heavy cream and vibrant pesto sauce into the skillet, gently stirring to create a harmonious blend. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens and develops a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Incorporate freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously to ensure smooth integration with the sauce.
6. Transfer cooked pasta directly into the skillet, carefully tossing to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated with the creamy pesto sauce.
7. Optional: Scatter torn fresh basil leaves across the top for a burst of herbal freshness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, herbaceous flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
• Reduce heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that keeps the sauce rich and smooth.
• Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes or using spicy pesto for those who enjoy a zesty kick.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 601 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg