Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with dinner all over again! This Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe is the culinary equivalent of a big, warm hug. Bite-sized pieces of golden chicken mingle with al dente pasta, all wrapped in a lush basil pesto cream sauce that clings to every twist and turn. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst with color and flavor, and a finishing sprinkle of Parmesan brings it all together. Quick enough for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for guests, this dish truly checks every box—for both ease and exuberant, Italian-inspired flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need a massive grocery haul for the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe, but each item in this list is a superstar. The magic comes from how these simple, accessible ingredients marry together to deliver incredible taste, texture, and color in every bite.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine are sturdy shapes that soak up all that luscious sauce—choose your favorite!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for speedy, even cooking and juicy results.
- Olive oil: A splash goes a long way here, adding flavor and helping achieve that lovely golden sear on your chicken.
- Garlic: Three cloves are just enough to add aromatic depth without overpowering the pesto.
- Heavy cream: This is what gives the sauce its dreamy, velvety texture and beautiful richness.
- Chicken broth: A half-cup keeps the sauce light on its feet, offering savory balance and extra flavor dimension.
- Prepared basil pesto: Go for good-quality jarred pesto, or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous—this is the heart of the dish!
- Parmesan cheese: Grate your own for the best texture and a nutty, salty undertone that’s simply irresistible.
- Cherry tomatoes: Cut in half, these add a burst of juicy sweetness and a pop of color that brightens the whole plate.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste—never underestimate what a sprinkle can do.
- Fresh basil: A handful of torn leaves at the end infuses freshness and makes the presentation absolutely gorgeous.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rigorously rolling boil. Once you’re bubbling, toss in your pasta of choice and stir right away so nothing sticks. Cook the pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package instructions—usually about 9 to 12 minutes. Drain it well and set it aside, but remember to reserve a small cup of pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later on. This is the foundation of your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then add the chicken in a single layer. Let it sizzle undisturbed for a few minutes so you get that gorgeous golden sear, then flip and cook until each piece is cooked through—about 5 to 6 minutes total. Once done, scoop the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate so it stays juicy and tender.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In that same skillet (don’t clean it—the leftover bits are flavor gold!), crank the heat down to medium. Add your minced garlic and sauté just until it’s fragrant, about a minute. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’re building layers of flavor for your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring as you go. Add the basil pesto and the grated Parmesan, then whisk everything together until smooth. Let the sauce bubble gently for a minute or two. It thickens up beautifully, taking on a pale green tint from the pesto and a glossy, irresistible sheen. Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if you like.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked chicken back into the skillet, along with the halved cherry tomatoes and drained pasta. Tumble everything together gently, coating every piece with that dreamy sauce. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes, until warmed through and the tomatoes are just starting to soften. If the sauce gets a little too thick, splashing in a bit of reserved pasta water will loosen it up to your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
Right before serving, scatter torn fresh basil over the top, and maybe an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—you’ve just mastered the ultimate Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is your new best friend for garnish. Tear the leaves by hand for maximum aroma and visual appeal—don’t be shy! If you’re feeling extra, a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan or a few pine nuts adds both texture and a gourmet touch to your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe. A drizzle of olive oil or a twist of black pepper takes it right over the top!
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad—think arugula, lemon, and a simple vinaigrette—to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for swiping up leftover sauce on your plate, and a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus keeps things colorful and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to elevate your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe for guests? Try serving it in individual shallow bowls with a twirl of pasta on top and the chicken artfully arranged. For a family-style presentation, pile everything into a big platter, sprinkle generously with basil and cheese, and let everyone dig in. Leftovers also make a stunning pasta bake—just layer into a dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or broth when reheating will bring it right back to luscious life.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture—cream sauces can sometimes separate, but stirring well as you reheat works wonders. If you know in advance you’ll be freezing, consider undercooking the pasta just a little; it holds up better through freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe gently on the stove over medium-low, adding a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently for even heating. If using the microwave, cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between—this keeps everything creamy and prevents dreaded dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine are classics for this recipe, you can swap in any short or long pasta you love. Just cook it until al dente to ensure your Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe has the perfect bite.
Is it possible to make this dish lighter?
You can easily lighten things up by substituting half-and-half for the heavy cream and using less Parmesan. The results are still creamy and delicious, though the sauce will be a touch less rich.
Can I add vegetables to the Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Baby spinach or sautéed zucchini are great additions—just toss them in along with the cherry tomatoes for extra color, flavor, and a nutritional boost.
Can I use homemade pesto instead of store-bought?
Homemade pesto is fantastic here! If you have a favorite basil pesto recipe, use about half a cup, and taste for seasoning—you may need a bit more cheese or a squeeze of lemon.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe isn’t gluten-free as written, but you can easily make it so by using your favorite gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free—just double-check your pesto and chicken broth to be sure.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat. The Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe brings together comfort, color, and bold flavor in every forkful. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave all week—and the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know. Give it a try tonight and see just how wonderful dinner at home can be!
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Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of our Chicken Pesto Pasta recipe. Tender chicken, cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta coated in a luscious pesto cream sauce – a comforting and flavorful dish for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup prepared basil pesto
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additions:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season chicken, cook in olive oil until golden, then remove.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic, add cream, broth, pesto, Parmesan. Simmer, return chicken, add tomatoes and pasta. Heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- For extra vegetables, add spinach or zucchini with the tomatoes.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
