The Creamiest Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Whipping up a delectable chicken pesto pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Fragrant basil and rich parmesan dance together in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly among tender noodles, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

creamy sauce coats each strand with luxurious flavor, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Home cooks adore this straightforward recipe for its simplicity and impressive results.

Weeknight dinners just became infinitely more exciting with this crowd-pleasing combination.

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

Ingredients For Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that provides a rich, salty depth to the sauce.

• Pasta: The main carbohydrate base that serves as the foundation of the recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious texture for the sauce.
• Basil Pesto: Adds a vibrant herbal flavor and green color to the dish.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide a fresh, slightly sweet contrast to the creamy sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and adds a subtle richness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A garnish that brings a bright, aromatic finish to the pasta.
• Pasta Water: Helps to create a silky, well-combined sauce.

How To Prepare Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Keep a small amount of pasta water for later, then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown and are completely done.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Base

In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until it releases its delightful fragrance.

Pour in heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring to create a harmonious blend.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Mix in Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water.

Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken and become luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Introduce the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet.

Toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets completely covered in the luscious pesto sauce.

Step 6: Add Fresh Touch

Sprinkle in cherry tomatoes and cook briefly until they start to soften and release their juicy flavors.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of herbal freshness.

Serve the dish immediately while it’s still hot and inviting.

Tips For Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Opt for high-quality pesto to elevate the dish's overall flavor profile and richness.
• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Adjust pasta water quantity based on desired sauce consistency, adding gradually for perfect creaminess.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without compromising taste.
• Consider adding roasted pine nuts or toasted almonds for extra crunch and nutty undertones.

New Twists On Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Vegetarian Pesto Pasta: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure pesto is made without wheat-based ingredients.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with sautéed shrimp or flaked salmon for a different protein profile.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Weeknight Family Feast: Serve this creamy pasta as a hearty main dish with crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Elegantly plate the pasta in white dishes, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and add a few whole basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation that impresses guests.
• Lunch Meal Prep: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for a delicious work or school lunch, keeping the tomatoes and basil separate to maintain freshness until serving time.
• Picnic Perfect Pasta: Cool the dish completely, transfer to a large container, and enjoy as a cold pasta salad during outdoor gatherings or weekend picnics with friends and family.

How To Store Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store pesto chicken pasta in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Keep pasta separate from garnishes like fresh basil leaves to prevent wilting and maintain optimal taste.

FAQs

• What is pesto made of?

Pesto is a traditional Italian sauce made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, blended together to create a vibrant green sauce with rich, herbal flavors.

• Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to save time. Simply shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and add it to the sauce during the final steps of the recipe.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy chicken pesto pasta can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of pasta water to restore the creamy consistency.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Loaded With Flavor

• Boost Quick Weeknight Dining: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and satisfying dinner solutions.
• Maximize Flavor Complexity: Combine creamy pesto sauce, golden chicken, and fresh cherry tomatoes to create a multi-layered taste experience that delights every palate.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like chicken for shrimp or add extra vegetables to personalize the dish according to individual preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for cooking chicken, creating sauce, and combining all ingredients, making meal preparation stress-free and convenient.

Quick Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade creamy chicken pesto pasta delivers Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Simple ingredients blend into a quick, satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dining.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) penne pasta
• 1/2 cup basil pesto

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender, about 8-10 minutes. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat, then introduce diced chicken. Sear until exterior develops a golden-brown crust and interior reaches complete doneness, approximately 6-7 minutes.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s residual heat and flavorful remnants.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing aromatic notes to bloom for 30-45 seconds.
5. Pour heavy cream and basil pesto into the skillet, whisking thoroughly to create a harmonious, creamy mixture.
6. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until sauce reaches a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
7. Reunite pasta and chicken within the skillet, gently folding to ensure every morsel becomes lavishly coated with the vibrant pesto cream sauce.
8. Delicately fold in cherry tomatoes, allowing them to warm and slightly soften for 1-2 minutes.
9. Calibrate seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper, then embellish with fragrant basil leaves before serving immediately.

Notes

• Maximize pasta texture by cooking exactly to al dente, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Use high-quality pesto for a more vibrant and authentic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them evenly to guarantee uniform cooking and tender meat throughout.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg