Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe

There's nothing like the irresistible aroma of Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta filling your kitchen on a busy weeknight. With its luscious sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant pesto, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser that balances comfort and sophistication perfectly.

this Recipe

The first time I made this recipe, it was an instant hit with my family. It’s quick, simple, and made with pantry staples—ideal for any day when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into what makes this dish a must-try for your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Get ready to discover your new favorite pasta dish! This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is bursting with flavor and designed to make your evenings stress-free.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick and easy to make. You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.

The combination of creamy sauce and pesto creates a bold, savory flavor that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light. Each bite is a medley of rich creaminess, herbaceous freshness, and tender bites of chicken.

This recipe is also wonderfully versatile. Use your favorite pasta shape, swap in vegetables you have on hand, or even add a sprinkle of cheese for a gooey twist—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

Lastly, it’s a one-pan wonder. While you’ll boil the pasta separately, most of the magic happens in one skillet, minimizing cleanup and keeping things simple.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each element contributes to the dish’s signature taste and texture, so let’s break it down.

The chicken is the heart of the dish. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs for tender, juicy bites. Cut the chicken into even pieces for quick and consistent cooking.

Pasta is the foundation, and short shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowties work best. These shapes capture the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.

For the creamy sauce, heavy cream brings richness without feeling too heavy. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as thick.

Pesto is the star of the show, providing a punch of fresh, herby flavor. Use a high-quality store-bought pesto or make your own if you have extra time and fresh basil on hand.

To add depth, you’ll need garlic and onion, which enhance the sauce with a warm, aromatic base. A touch of Parmesan cheese adds salty, nutty notes and helps to thicken the sauce.

Finally, keep olive oil and a splash of chicken broth ready for cooking and balancing the sauce.

You’ll also need a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta to bring this dish together seamlessly.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Making this delicious dish is as straightforward as it gets. Follow these steps for a meal that’s as delightful to prepare as it is to eat.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and let it heat up. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and your favorite Italian seasoning blend. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking it in a single layer until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté diced onions until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful bits. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Lower the heat and stir in the pesto and a handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare occurrence!), this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta stores wonderfully for future meals.

To refrigerate, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to the skillet to loosen the sauce and heat over low until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

While freezing is an option, keep in mind that cream-based sauces can separate slightly after thawing. Stirring thoroughly and adding a bit of cream or broth can help restore the sauce’s texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.

For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers. The pesto sauce pairs beautifully with a wide range of vegetables.

Prefer seafood? Swap the chicken for shrimp. Sear the shrimp until pink and cooked through, then follow the recipe as usual.

Add a pop of color and nutrition by tossing in fresh spinach or arugula at the end of cooking. The residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly.

If you’re looking to cut carbs, use zucchini noodles or a pasta alternative like chickpea pasta for a lighter option that still tastes amazing.

Finally, experiment with different types of pesto. Sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a spicy pesto will add a new twist to this classic recipe.

Let this recipe become a canvas for your creativity. With so many ways to make it your own, Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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