Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta filling your kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious pesto-infused cream sauce creates a dish that’s indulgent, yet approachable for any home cook.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with this recipe on a chilly weeknight when I needed something comforting but quick. With just a handful of pantry staples and a jar of pesto, it transformed into a meal my family now requests on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Get ready to discover your new weeknight favorite! This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta hits all the right notes – flavor-packed, easy to make, and completely satisfying.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and convenient. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

The recipe is also a one-pan wonder (after boiling the pasta). Fewer dishes to clean? Yes, please!

With its versatile nature, this dish works for everyone. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with flavors, it adapts beautifully. Swap in your favorite protein or sneak in some extra veggies without skipping a beat.

Finally, the creamy pesto sauce is a showstopper. It’s rich without being heavy, with that signature pesto brightness that keeps you coming back for more.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about the simple ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients, each one adding a crucial layer of flavor to the final result.

Pasta: A sturdy pasta like penne or fettuccine is perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Their shapes allow every bite to be coated with the pesto goodness.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully here. Thighs provide extra juiciness, while breasts keep things lean and light. Be sure to dice the chicken into even pieces for faster cooking.

Pesto: Use a high-quality jarred pesto for convenience or make your own if you have the time. The pesto provides vibrant, herbaceous notes that balance the richness of the cream.

Heavy Cream: This is the base of the sauce, giving it a velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can be used, though the sauce may be slightly thinner.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the dish. Avoid pre-grated varieties for the best melt and flavor.

Garlic and Onion: These aromatic staples enhance the pesto’s flavors and build the dish’s foundation.

No special equipment is needed—just a large skillet, a pot for pasta, and a trusty spatula.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creating this dish is a breeze, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for your sauce!
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the pesto, allowing it to warm through before adding the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy pesto sauce. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan and stir until melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for a finishing touch. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

Storage Options

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Refrigeration: Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing: While cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, this dish holds up reasonably well. Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If reheating in the microwave, use medium power and stir every 30 seconds for even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are a few ways to make it your own:

1. Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try shrimp, Italian sausage, or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
2. Make it Vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for a hearty, meat-free version.
3. Go Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Opt for a dairy-free pesto to keep it vegan-friendly.
4. Try Different Pastas: Gluten-free pasta, whole wheat varieties, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) can work beautifully.
5. Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to balance the creamy richness.

Experimenting is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor this recipe to your taste!

With its irresistible flavor and ease of preparation, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a dish you’ll return to again and again. From busy weeknights to cozy weekend dinners, this recipe fits every occasion. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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