If you adore vibrant flavors and crave comfort food that feels both luxurious and easy to make, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is destined to become one of your go-to dishes. Picture tender chicken bites swimming in a luscious creamy pesto sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta for a meal that bursts with herbaceous freshness, savory richness, and cheesy goodness. It’s a dish that delivers both flair and familiarity, satisfying weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. Once you try this recipe, it’s hard to go back to ordinary pasta nights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe right is all about simple, quality ingredients working together to create a balanced symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a key role, from the tender chicken to the fresh basil pesto, creamy sauce, and the nutty Parmesan that finishes it all beautifully.
- 8 ounces pasta: Choose your favorite shape; penne or fusilli hold up well to the creamy sauce.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and lean protein that soaks in all the delicious seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon garlic and herb seasoning: Gives the chicken a zesty, aromatic boost.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing chicken to golden perfection with a lovely fragrant base.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic: Adds a punch of savory depth that pairs wonderfully with pesto.
- 6 tablespoons basil pesto: The star of the dish, infusing fresh, herbal brightness.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates that rich, velvety sauce you’ll want to savor every last bite of.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that perfectly balances the creamy pesto sauce.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This ensures the noodles are tender with a slight bite, so they don’t become mushy once combined with the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken, giving you a well-coordinated finish.
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken
Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with garlic and herb seasoning to infuse them with savory flavor. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then add the chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, allowing it to develop a beautiful golden crust while staying juicy inside.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a quick 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing that mouthwatering aroma. Pour in the heavy cream along with the basil pesto, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, becoming rich and silky.
Step 4: Combine with Cheese and Pasta
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, which will melt smoothly into the sauce, enriching it with that familiar umami kick. Finally, add your cooked pasta back into the skillet and toss everything together so every strand is lovingly coated with the creamy pesto goodness. Your dish is ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish shines on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a few extra shavings of Parmesan add an elegant touch and fresh aroma. A few toasted pine nuts scattered on top also elevate the texture and offer subtle nutty notes that complement the pesto beautifully.
Side Dishes
This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables such as asparagus or cherry tomatoes bring color and a burst of natural sweetness, balancing the creamy, savory pasta perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual pasta bowls garnished with edible flowers for a pop of color. Alternatively, presenting it in a cast-iron skillet right at the table adds rustic charm and keeps the dish warm and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be sure to store the pasta separately if you prefer it less saucy.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, though texture may slightly change. For best results, freeze it in portions inside freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta slowly on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Microwaving works too; cover loosely and stir halfway through heating to ensure even warming without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp, turkey, or even tofu work beautifully with this creamy pesto sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use a vegan pesto and Parmesan alternative to accommodate dairy-free diets. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or farfalle are excellent at holding onto the creamy sauce, but feel free to use spaghetti or linguine if those are your favorites.
Can I prepare the pesto sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Fresh basil pesto made at home can elevate this dish even more with its vibrant herb flavors, plus it’s surprisingly quick to whip up.
How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should be rich and creamy but not overly thick—it needs to coat the pasta smoothly without clumping. If it gets too thick, a little extra cream or pasta water can loosen it perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Making the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe is like giving yourself a big, cozy hug on a plate. It’s approachable, satisfying, and full of fresh, bold flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is a guaranteed win that brings comfort in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta combines tender bite-sized chicken breast pieces with al dente pasta tossed in a rich basil pesto and heavy cream sauce, accented with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
Sauce
- 6 Tbsp basil pesto
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces evenly with garlic and herb seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic and Sauce: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and basil pesto, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for approximately 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy pesto chicken sauce.
Notes
- Use your favorite type of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rotini for optimal sauce coating.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh basil pesto can be substituted with store-bought pesto, but fresh usually enhances flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
