If you’re craving a dish that combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of basil pesto with a rich, velvety sauce, then you are going to love this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce that wraps everything in comforting goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in creating the final dish’s irresistible taste and texture. They are simple, but together they deliver a stunning balance of creaminess, herbal brightness, and savory depth.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These provide the hearty protein base and take on the creamy pesto flavors beautifully.
- Fresh garlic: Essential for that aromatic punch that lifts the entire dish.
- Fettuccine or penne pasta: Choose your favorite shape to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce.
- Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce deeply creamy and indulgent.
- Pesto sauce: The star ingredient, whether store-bought or homemade, delivering herbaceous, nutty, and cheesy notes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty richness that beautifully complements the cream and pesto.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and bringing a subtle fruity flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: A clever addition that enhances umami without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making sure they cook quickly and evenly. Mince the fresh garlic finely because it will infuse the dish with its essential aroma and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook until they turn golden brown on the outside, about 6 to 7 minutes, giving your dish a beautiful caramelized flavor and juicy texture.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until it’s fragrant. This step brings out the garlic’s sweetness and perfectly builds the flavor foundation of the sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce directly into the skillet with your chicken and garlic. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so the sauce becomes smooth and evenly coats the chicken pieces. This mixture is where the magic of the Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe truly happens.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your sauce simmers, cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—just tender but still with a bite. Be sure to save a little pasta water before draining; this helps adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce and chicken. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta is gloriously coated. If necessary, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach that perfectly silky sauce consistency we all crave.
How to Serve Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra freshly grated Parmesan over the top for an irresistible cheesy finish. A few fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of olive oil can add a beautiful pop of color and enhance the herbal notes.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also works perfectly to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, serve the pasta in white shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens or edible flowers. You could also plate the chicken separately over the pasta for a restaurant-style flair or add sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after sitting, making for a tasty next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy. Microwaving in short bursts while stirring in between also works well.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts and follow the same cooking method.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream is key to achieving that rich, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy substitute, but the sauce may be less thick.
Can I make pesto from scratch for this recipe?
Definitely! Making your own pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil adds a vibrant freshness. But store-bought pesto works perfectly well for a quick and easy version.
What pasta shape works best?
Fettuccine and penne are excellent choices because their shape holds the creamy sauce nicely. However, feel free to experiment with rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on your preference.
How can I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for substance. For vegan, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, and a vegan pesto crafted without Parmesan.
Final Thoughts
If you want a pasta dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, this Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe has it all. It’s rich, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Give it a try—it’s the kind of dinner that warms your heart while delighting your taste buds every single time.
Print
Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken pieces tossed in a rich, flavorful pesto cream sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, blending the freshness of basil pesto with the smoothness of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Pasta
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to prepare for cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic into the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and pesto sauce into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy mixture.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy pesto sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce to your preferred consistency.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a cream alternative.
- Add fresh basil leaves for extra herbal aroma.
- Can be served with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.
