Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a little luxury on a weeknight. It’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—and the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes! Juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, garlicky pesto cream sauce unite in one pan to make something that’s comforting, fresh, and incredibly easy to throw together, even after a long day. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this dish is always a win.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Fast and Easy: This is a true one-pan wonder that’s ready in less time than it takes to order takeout. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
• Rich and Creamy: The sauce is silky, herbaceous, and indulgent without being too heavy. It clings perfectly to the pasta and makes every bite satisfying.
• Full of Flavor: Pesto brings brightness, garlic adds depth, and a splash of cream brings it all together into a comforting, cozy dish.
• Customizable: You can make it as fancy or as basic as you like. Add veggies, switch up the protein, or use whatever pasta you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this creamy pesto dream to life:

• Pasta: Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great—these shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy, tender bites. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
• Pesto: Use a high-quality store-bought pesto or homemade if you have fresh basil on hand. This is the flavor backbone, so quality matters!
• Heavy Cream: For that rich, velvety texture. It balances the intensity of the pesto and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic deepens the flavor. A must in any good cream sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce and adds a nutty, salty finish. Don’t skip it.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, and to keep things flavorful from the start.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors in the sauce.

Variations

Want to shake things up a bit? Try these fun twists:

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic for some heat.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage.
• Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of cream and go easy on the cheese for a lighter version that still tastes great.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining—it helps loosen the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the pesto. Simmer gently for a few minutes until everything is warm and combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss until everything is coated in the sauce. If it looks too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water. Finish with grated Parmesan.

Step 5: Serve

Serve hot, with extra Parmesan and a crack of black pepper on top. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley makes a great final touch.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: It keeps its shape and texture better when mixed into the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: A splash of this starchy water helps thin the sauce without diluting the flavor.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Cook it just until fragrant—burned garlic turns bitter and can overpower the dish.
• Add Pesto Off Heat: If using homemade pesto, stir it in just before serving to preserve its fresh flavor.

How to Serve

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

Garnishes:

Grated Parmesan, fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, or even a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a glossy finish.

Side Dish:

Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also makes a perfect companion for soaking up that extra sauce.

Drink Pairing:

A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio balances the creaminess perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with lemon or cucumber.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but it reheats beautifully with a splash of water or cream.

Freezing

Not ideal for freezing due to the cream, which can separate. However, you can freeze just the cooked chicken and pesto separately and make the sauce fresh.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk works best if you want to go lighter, or try half-and-half for a happy medium.

Is store-bought pesto okay?
Absolutely! Just go for one with real ingredients and a nice balance of basil, garlic, and cheese. Some refrigerated versions have better flavor than shelf-stable jars.

What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a little of the reserved pasta water and stir until it loosens. This keeps the sauce smooth and helps it cling to the pasta.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead, and even make the sauce in advance. Just combine and heat everything when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is the kind of dish that feels special without requiring a ton of effort. It’s perfect for busy nights when you still want to eat something homemade and delicious. The flavors are bold, comforting, and versatile—and once you try it, there’s a good chance it’ll become part of your regular dinner rotation. Give it a go and enjoy every creamy, herby bite!

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