The Best Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken pesto pasta could be your newest culinary adventure this evening.

pasta lovers rejoice with this simple yet impressive dish that comes together in minutes.

Fresh basil and tender chicken create a harmonious blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Smooth pesto sauce coats each strand, promising a rich and satisfying meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Parmesan cheese adds a subtle salty depth to the creamy sauce, making every bite irresistible.

Quick enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant for casual entertaining, this recipe will become your go-to comfort food.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible pasta creation.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Details

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pasta with tender chicken and rich pesto creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different vegetables, using grilled chicken, or trying alternative cheeses allows you to personalize this recipe to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just a handful of common pantry staples and refrigerator basics, you can transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels gourmet but requires minimal cooking skills.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds satisfying flavor and makes the meal more filling.
• Pesto: A flavorful sauce made with fresh herbs that brings vibrant green color and Italian-inspired taste.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth sauce that helps bind all ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall depth of flavor and provide essential seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle background richness.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil: Provide fresh color, bright flavor, and additional visual appeal to the final dish.

Preparation Instructions for Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Follow the package guidelines for precise cooking time.

Drain the pasta completely in a colander and set it aside, allowing it to rest while preparing the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden, which typically takes about 30-45 seconds.

Step 3: Warm Shredded Chicken

Add shredded chicken to the skillet with the garlic.

Stir and cook the chicken for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly heated and absorbing the garlic’s delicious flavor.

Step 4: Create Creamy Pesto Sauce

Pour in the pesto and heavy cream into the skillet.

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, rich sauce.

Continue stirring and heating the mixture until it’s completely combined and warmed through.

Step 5: Combine Pasta With Sauce

Transfer the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce.

Gently toss the pasta, making sure every strand is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta.

Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Mix thoroughly to distribute the cheese and seasonings evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the pasta with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and additional flavor.

Serve the dish immediately while it’s warm and at its most delicious.

Tips for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Marinate chicken in Italian herbs before cooking to enhance overall taste and depth.
• Reserve a cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create silky, clingy sauce.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a healthier, lower-calorie version without losing creaminess.
• Chop fresh basil right before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic flavor profile.
• Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a delicious meatless alternative.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Vegan Pesto Pasta: Replace chicken with crispy tofu cubes, use dairy-free cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Swap traditional pesto with cashew or spinach-based vegan pesto.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles. Keep the creamy pesto sauce and chicken, reducing carbohydrate content for ketogenic diets.
• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Trade chicken for grilled shrimp or seared scallops. Add sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair. Use traditional basil pesto sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Garden Fresh Side Salad: Complement the creamy pasta with a light mixed green salad topped with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Serve alongside a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the herbal pesto and creamy chicken flavors.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Add warm garlic bread or toasted focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the smooth pasta dish.
• Quick Veggie Boost: Sprinkle extra roasted pine nuts or add sautéed spinach on top for additional nutrition and a pop of extra flavor and color.

Storage Guidelines for Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to maintain sauce consistency.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

• What is pesto made of?

Pesto is a classic Italian sauce traditionally made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, blended together to create a vibrant green, flavorful sauce.

• Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine and saves time. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor and texture in your pasta dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy chicken pesto pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, opt for Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy chicken pesto pasta delivers Italian comfort with elegant simplicity. Fragrant basil and tender chicken combine in a quick weeknight meal that delights home cooks and satisfies hungry families.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden.
3. Incorporate shredded chicken into the skillet, allowing it to heat through and absorb the garlic’s fragrance for approximately 2-3 minutes.
4. Pour in rich pesto and velvety heavy cream, whisking meticulously to create a harmonious, silky sauce that combines seamlessly.
5. Introduce drained pasta into the skillet, gently tumbling the noodles to ensure complete and even coating with the luxurious sauce.
6. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese throughout the mixture, seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. For a vibrant finishing touch, scatter halved cherry tomatoes and delicate fresh basil leaves across the top, creating a visually appealing presentation.
8. Transfer immediately to serving plates, maintaining the dish’s optimal temperature and creamy consistency. Serve hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the protein by swapping chicken with shredded turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Enhance nutrition by adding spinach, roasted vegetables, or pine nuts directly into the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Meal prep friendly: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of additional cream to restore sauce consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg