Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, herbaceous pesto cream sauce.

This easy, one-pan meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of fresh basil pesto, parmesan cheese, and juicy chicken creates a restaurant-quality dish right at home.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for cooking pasta)
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this dish.
• Pasta: Penne, fettuccine, or any short pasta works well to hold the creamy pesto sauce.
• Pesto: A blend of basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan, and olive oil provides a rich, herby flavor.
• Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and balances the pesto.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Pesto Cream Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Prepare the Pesto Cream Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   Stir in the pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Combine Everything
   Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
5. Serve
   Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

20 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~4 servings)

• Calories: ~550
• Fat: ~30g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Protein: ~35g

Expert Tips

• Use Fresh Pesto: Homemade pesto elevates the flavor. Blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, and olive oil for the best results.
• Make it Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Extra Protein: Add shrimp or grilled salmon instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! You can use any pasta shape, such as bowtie, fusilli, or spaghetti.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free pesto and substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The sauce may separate when frozen, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add roasted cherry tomatoes or spinach.
• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Cheese Lover’s Version: Mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy finish.

**Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta**

Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, herbaceous pesto cream sauce. This easy, one-pan meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Equipment

• - Large pot for cooking pasta
• - Large skillet or saucepan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• - Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Pasta**
• - 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni
• - Salt for boiling water
• #### **For the Chicken**
• - 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 boneless thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• - ½ teaspoon salt
• - ½ teaspoon black pepper
• - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• #### **For the Pesto Cream Sauce**
• - 1 cup heavy cream
• - ½ cup basil pesto store-bought or homemade
• - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 tablespoon butter
• - 2 cloves garlic minced
• - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Instructions

 

• **Cook the Pasta**
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
• **Cook the Chicken**
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
• Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• **Prepare the Pesto Cream Sauce**
• In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the pesto, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
• **Combine Everything**
• Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy pesto sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
• **Serve**
• Remove from heat and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!