Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Weeknight Wonder

Whipping up a delightful creamy chicken pesto pasta can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Pasta lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each perfectly coated noodle, creating instant comfort.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special that feels both elegant and effortless.

Rich, verdant pesto blends seamlessly with tender chicken pieces, promising a meal you’ll want to savor.

Creamy textures and aromatic herbs make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this combination is pure magic.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Winning Combination

• Quickest Weeknight Savior: Prepare this delicious meal in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy families rushing through dinner preparations.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy pesto sauce and tender chicken, creating a universally appealing dish that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• One-Pan Convenience Champion: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single skillet for the entire cooking process, reducing dishes and saving precious post-dinner time.
• Flexible Ingredient Superstar: Easily swap chicken for shrimp or tofu, adjust cream levels, or add extra vegetables to customize the recipe according to your pantry and dietary needs.

Chicken Pesto Pasta Ingredient Mix

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein that forms the base of the dish, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.

• Penne, Fettuccine: Pasta with good sauce-holding capabilities, select a shape that traps creamy sauce well.

• Heavy Cream, Basil Pesto, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, herbal sauce that provides rich flavor and smooth texture, opt for fresh pesto for best taste.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the chicken and sauce's natural tastes.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté chicken and prevent sticking, choose extra virgin for better flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Basil: Adds color, freshness, and slight acidity to balance the creamy sauce, use ripe tomatoes for best results.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Procedure

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook pasta in salted boiling water following package guidelines.

Ensure the pasta reaches al dente texture.

Drain completely and set aside, keeping a small amount of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Cubes

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken pieces with salt and ground black pepper.

Cook chicken until golden brown and thoroughly done, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

In the same skillet, pour heavy cream and pesto.

Blend ingredients together, stirring continuously.

Simmer sauce for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken and develop rich flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Protein

Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

Add drained pasta and gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets coated with the creamy pesto sauce.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese into the skillet.

If sauce seems too thick, splash in reserved pasta water to create a smooth, silky consistency.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Top with fresh chopped basil and halved cherry tomatoes.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors.

Expert Advice for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta That Never Clumps

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness, which helps the pasta absorb the creamy sauce better.
• Generously season chicken with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance its natural flavor and create a golden-brown exterior.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to thin or thicken the sauce, helping it cling perfectly to the pasta and chicken.
• Stir Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture throughout the dish.
• Garnish with fresh basil and cherry tomatoes just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color to the creamy pasta.

Store Chicken Pesto Pasta For Another Serving

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Before storing, add a splash of reserved pasta water to maintain moisture and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little cream or pasta water to restore the creamy texture.
• For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Fresh Flavors to Pair with Chicken Pesto Pasta

• Savor Wine Harmony: Pair this creamy chicken pesto pasta with a crisp pinot grigio that cuts through the richness and complements the herbal pesto notes.
• Cheese Companion: Sprinkle extra shaved parmesan or pecorino romano on top to enhance the dish's creamy texture and add a salty, nutty depth.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley to brighten the flavor profile and add a vibrant green accent.
• Refreshing Side Match: Serve with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's richness and provide a crisp, tangy contrast.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with Herbaceous Combinations

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu cubes for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the dish's hearty texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the pesto and creamy sauce intact.

FAQs

• Can I use store-bought or homemade pesto?

Both work perfectly! Store-bought pesto is convenient, while homemade offers a fresher flavor. Just ensure the pesto is high-quality and matches your taste preference.

• What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini are ideal. They hold the creamy sauce well and capture more flavor in their curves and ridges.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini. Choose skinless chicken breast for a leaner protein option.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just reheat gently and add a splash of pasta water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean flavors with Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, a delightful blend of tender chicken and aromatic basil sauce. Perfectly balanced ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• 1 cup heavy cream

Seasoning and Cheese:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish and Optional Add-ins:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain, preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Generously season chicken cubes with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Utilize the same skillet to create a luxurious sauce. Combine heavy cream and vibrant pesto, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a silky consistency.
4. Reintroduce the cooked chicken pieces into the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the prepared pasta, ensuring each strand is lavishly coated with the aromatic sauce.
5. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture, gradually incorporating reserved pasta water to achieve a perfect, velvety texture that clings deliciously to the pasta.
6. Enhance the dish’s visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering fresh basil leaves and halved cherry tomatoes across the surface. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot and the sauce is at its most luxurious.

Notes

• Use high-quality pesto for the most vibrant flavor and authentic taste.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to noodles.
• Toast chicken gently to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, juicy texture.
• Consider gluten-free pasta options for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring the dish remains deliciously accessible.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg