Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Imagine twirling your fork through silky strands of pasta coated in a velvety pesto cream sauce, capturing tender pieces of juicy chicken with each bite. This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta delivers a harmonious blend of aromatic basil, rich Parmesan, and succulent chicken that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion. The vibrant green sauce clings perfectly to every piece of pasta, creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. You’ll learn how to create restaurant-quality Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and fresh – the creamy sauce feels luxurious while the bright pesto keeps everything lively and herbaceous. The textural contrast between the tender chicken, silky sauce, and al dente pasta creates a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite.

What truly sets this chicken pesto pasta dish apart is its versatility and simplicity. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining. The ingredients are pantry staples that transform into something extraordinary when combined.

The recipe is also incredibly forgiving for novice cooks – no precision timing or specialized techniques required. Plus, the vibrant green sauce and colorful mix-ins create a visually stunning presentation that belies the minimal effort involved. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or discerning foodies, this balanced pasta dish delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked comfort.

Ingredients

For this delectable Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) fettuccine or pasta of choice
• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ¾ cup (180g) basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

The quality of your pesto significantly impacts the final dish – homemade offers the brightest flavor, but a premium store-bought version works beautifully when time is short. For the chicken, organic breasts provide the most tender results, though thighs can be substituted for even juicier meat.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pasta: For this Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, select shapes that capture the sauce effectively. Fettuccine, linguine, and penne work exceptionally well as their surfaces provide ample area for the creamy pesto sauce to cling to. Ridged pasta varieties like rigatoni offer additional texture and sauce-gripping capability.

Perfect Your Chicken Technique: The secret to juicy, flavorful chicken lies in proper preparation. Season generously with salt and pepper before cooking, and work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowded chicken steams rather than sears, resulting in rubbery texture. Allow your pan to regain heat between batches, and cook just until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally – about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Master the Sauce Consistency: Achieving the ideal creamy texture requires careful attention. Always reduce your heat to medium-low when adding cream to prevent curdling. If your sauce becomes too thick, gradually add warm chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until reaching desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Remember that the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools and when the pasta is added.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente – typically 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency later. Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the remaining components.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, prepare your chicken for the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this ensures proper browning. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding (work in batches if needed), and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these contain incredible flavor. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer (never a boil). Reduce heat to medium-low and whisk in the pesto and Parmesan cheese until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Season with red pepper flakes if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, tossing gently with tongs to coat every strand. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Fold in sun-dried tomatoes if using. Allow everything to simmer together for 1-2 minutes so the pasta can absorb some of the sauce and flavors can meld perfectly. Your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta should look glossy and cohesive.

Step 5: Serve
Transfer your finished Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta to a large serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese, torn fresh basil leaves, and a final crack of black pepper. Serve immediately while hot, with extra Parmesan on the side for those who desire an even cheesier experience.

Variations

Mediterranean Version: Transform your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta into a Mediterranean delight by adding 1 cup of quartered artichoke hearts, ½ cup of Kalamata olives, and ¼ cup of crumbled feta cheese along with the sun-dried tomatoes. The briny olives and tangy feta perfectly complement the creamy pesto sauce, while artichokes add heartiness and texture. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness that balances the rich elements.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and create an equally satisfying meatless meal by substituting 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms (cremini or portobello work beautifully) and 2 cups of baby spinach. Add the spinach during the final minute of cooking to just wilt it into the hot pasta. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture and umami flavor that ensures even dedicated carnivores won’t miss the chicken in this pesto pasta variation.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: This creamy pesto pasta recipe adapts perfectly to dietary restrictions. Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta (corn-rice blends hold up best in creamy sauces) and ensure your store-bought pesto is gluten-free certified. The sauce itself contains no gluten, making this an easy adaptation that sacrifices nothing in flavor or texture.

Storage and Serving

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerated, it will maintain quality for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revitalize the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

For an elegant serving suggestion, pair this pasta with a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil – the peppery greens provide a perfect counterpoint to the rich pasta. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay complements the creamy texture and herbaceous notes beautifully.

Transform leftovers into a spectacular baked pasta by transferring to an oven-safe dish, adding extra cheese on top, and baking at 375°F until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. For a quick lunch option, enjoy this pasta cold as a pasta salad – the flavors develop wonderfully overnight for a different but equally delicious experience.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saving option for Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta. Simply shred or cube about 3 cups of meat and add it to the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking, just long enough to warm through. This reduces preparation time by about 15 minutes.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
Yes! For a lighter Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt whisked in at the end (off heat) to maintain creaminess. Increase the chicken broth by 2 tablespoons to maintain sauce volume while reducing calories.

Can I make the pesto from scratch?
Homemade pesto elevates this dish significantly. Blend 2 cups fresh basil leaves, 1/3 cup pine nuts (toasted), 2 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 cup olive oil until smooth. Fresh pesto offers brighter flavor and allows you to adjust garlic and cheese to your preference.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Long pasta shapes like fettuccine or linguine traditionally work best for creamy sauces, as they provide maximum surface area for the sauce to cling to. However, substantial short pastas like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli also work well, especially for potlucks or meals with children.

Can this dish be frozen?
Cream-based pasta dishes can separate when frozen and thawed. If you must freeze, do so before adding the pasta – freeze just the chicken and sauce, then prepare fresh pasta when reheating. If freezing the complete dish, expect some texture changes upon reheating. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with added cream to restore consistency.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is comfort food at its finest — luxuriously creamy yet brightened by the fresh herbaceous notes of basil pesto. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, bringing everyone eagerly to the table. The balance of tender chicken, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, this pasta delivers satisfaction in every forkful. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a regular request in your household.

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